On Fri, 11 Feb 2005 12:31:01 -0500, "William W. Plummer"
wrote:

The local appliance store told me that repair/replacement parts are only
made for 8 years after a new model is introduced. He said it is an
industry-wide standard. Can anyone affirm that?

Manufacturers are only required to supply parts for eight years,
but if there is a buck to be made the manufacturer or other suppliers
will continue to supply these parts.