Washing Machine decision

I can't make a decision on a new washing machine. Our old one gave up finally after about 30 or so years. It was a Hotpoint (made by GE?) and was great till the very end. Now to find another. I don't want a front loader I know that for sure so a top loader it is. The problem is that there are very few of these left anymore...everyone is going for front loaders. I just want an old school washing machine but they just don't make them like they used to. In the end, it's a toss up between a Maytag and a GE but they both seem kind of flimsy (plastic drum for the dryer, plastic knobs, one of which broke off in my hand when I turned it and pulled it like I would in real use). I dunno, maybe I should look at the front loaders but they just make me nervous. How can they clean the kids clothes in such little water? I am back to square one.