I have the chance to buy a majorly dented Whirlpool WTW57ESVWI, full warranty, at a bargain price - plus my power co. will give me a $100 rebate, as it is an Energy Star! BUT- I've heard a lot of negatives about the auto load detection feature. I know that the auto load detection switch (original one) failed on a regular basis, but that the part has been replaced by a "new, improved" switch. Anybody have experience with the new switch failing?

Should I generally avoid this kind of "band-aid" technology? In reading carefully, I see that if you tell the machine that you've got softener in the dispenser, the machine will fill to the highest level, no matter the actual load size - where's the energy savings there? Of course, I'd just toss in a Downy Ball, but maybe it wouldn't work with this type of machine.

Appreciate any opinions!