Dishwasher Blues

[codycat]

I have a 28 year old Bosch Dishwasher. Both the upper and lower racks are rusting and will need replacing in the near future. I've lost a few tines here and there, but pretty soon the bottom will drop out. It still does a great job washing dishes. We (DW and I) run it about every third or fourth day. About 14 years ago I replaced the controller board. I've also replaced the drain line and the line that carries water to the upper rack, though I don't remember when.

The upper rack is discontinued but available on Ebay used for ~$80, looks to be in good condition. The lower rack is ~$250 new or available on Ebay used for ~$105. A new Bosch would run ~$800 to $1100 depending on the model. I like Bosch for the stainless steel tub and how quiet they run and hey, its lasted 28 years so far.

The question is should I replace the racks and wash on, or buy a new dishwasher? I would self install.

[sonofsven]

Well, only you can decide if it's "worth it".
Would you buy the same dishwasher for $185?
My dishwasher is only 20 years old but I've had to start buying used and "universal" parts, too. I actually found a parts washer free on Craigslist that's sitting in my shed.
I vote to fix it.

[BECABECA]

I had a lovely old Bosch dishwasher like yours in my old house that had the rusted tines as well. I had to replace a couple parts here and there but we loved the dishwasher. We bought replacement racks on eBay because the opportunity cost of completely replacing it with a different dishwasher that probably won’t be as good just wasn’t worth it.

[roomtempmayo]

We installed a new Bosch about three years ago, so I'm glad to hear yours has lasted so well.

I vote for fixing it as long as you can reasonably.

[aloevera1]

I would replace the racks and continue using it. Newer tech doesn't mean it will work better. It may come with its own issues that you don't know in advance.

You can search on your local marketplace for people trying to get rid of the old dishwashers. Then you can replace the rusted rack for pennies or even free. That's what we did for our 30 year old but still operational dishwasher.

[Morning Glory]

If the rust isn't too bad you could maybe spray paint the racks to buy yourself time. Any automotive paint should hold up in the dishwasher.

[AMandM]

I would replace the racks when the time comes (which may be later if MorningGlory's suggestion works), since you are happy with the washing performance. Way less money, time, landfill waste, and effort than replacing the whole dishwasher.

[redhead84]

I went through a very painful new dishwasher installation process with a local plumbing company so I would vote buy the new racks and avoid that headache as long as possible.

[leevs11]

New dishwashers are pretty cheap and much more efficient than a 28 year old one would be. You have my permission to buy a new one.

Also, think about the depreciable life of your home and appliances. Most tax professionals would depreciate the home over 30 years. You're there on the dishwasher. Enjoy the fact that you wore that bad boy out.