*jonski: too much for a low-end but short for a mid-range. If you go to an appliance store today, I'm sure you'd be able to buy a good one with your budget but I'd really urge you to add 10k more to that so you'd get at least an inverter panasonic. It'll be more cost effective in the long run.

*Retz: Usually, good brands offer 5yr warranty on their compressor. LG offers 10years for their Linear Compressor (and Inverter DD washing machines).