where can i get the best deal on new washer/dryer? i always hear about discounted spots, but never really paid attention. thanks!

Sears  sears.com/shc/s/dap_1015…

i got both at Lowes.  You might have to wait for their free shipping deal, any appliance over $299.  Also, i would sign up for their moving coupon, 10% off and I think if you open a Lowes card, that's another 10%.  I got myself a whirlpool elite series, it was about $400 plus tax.  They sometimes have rebates on washer/dryers, so google to see if there are any out there before making the purchase, its always better to pay less if you can. =)  good luck!

supposedly Lowes has free next day delivery, setup, and removal for all their appliances (probably with a minimum purchase of $299), so I don't one has to wait...at least that's the TV commercials that they've been running.

Check also Home Depot, Western Appliance (E.Bay), Airport Appliance (Hayward), Costco, House of Louie (SF), the Sears outlets in San Leandro or Milpitas.

How long are you going to keep the place?  If you're comparing apples to apples, sure, go for price.  But when comparing two different machines I would pay some attention to quality.  Discount stores often carry just the bottom of the line, or older models.  A good one is cleaner, quieter, easier on your clothes, and more energy efficient - plus it doesn't break down or spill water all over your floor.  Something may be cheap to buy but you probably won't be feeling it when the service guy explains i'ts usually better to buy a new one than to fix the old one.

Go for the front loading, they save so much water and not as rough on the clothes.

I got mine on Craigslist.  I found a  guy in Santa Rosa who picks up returns from Costco and repairs them and then sells them really cheap.  Obviously his selection is limited and it helps if you know someone with a truck to help you move it, but I got and excellent set for really cheap and they are still working just fine after owning them for 18 months so far.

we got our LG Tromm (the blue ones) at best buy 2 years ago.. we got free next day delivery and installation... the delivery men were awesome getting the machines stacked on top of eachother and fitting them into our super crammed laundry closet... (after hauling both washer and dryer up a flight of stairs to our 2nd floor).... barely fit but they were able to lean the machines over to get in and out of the back to hook up the gas and hoses etc...
we were very pleased and we haven't had any problems so far...
love our machines too... they're HE and get our clothes squeeky clean...