Unless you’re an expert in spin cycles, buying an appliance could leave you dizzy. To make the process easier, here are answers to the appliance-buying questions you’ll probably ponder, from “When should I buy?” to “Do I really need a warranty?” REPAIR OR REPLACE? People with existing appliances have two options: repair or replace. You can count on major appliances to last about a year for every $100 spent, says Doug Rogers, president of Mr.