My washing machine stopped working. Should I replace, repair or call a technician?
First, figure out the replacement cost.  Based on that, figure out what you're willing to spend on keeping the old one running.  Never call a technician unless it's still under warranty.  Parts + Labour for one call can be up to half the price of a new machine.  (This is not a slight against the technicians.  They're entitled to a fair wage, and your 1 hour call actually takes two hours when you count travel time.)

If you decide to do it yourself, make sure you do your research as to how to take it apart. It's far too easy to get led down the wrong path and remove a whole lot of unnecessary stuff.

Remove the damaged part, and make sure it's actually damaged. Go to your parts store and get a price. The replacement cost will probably astound you.  It only takes a few replacement parts to quickly add up to the cost of a new machine.  Which means you need to look around and see if any valves or bearings look loose.  If they do, toss the machine,  and get a new one.  It'll need expensive repairs soon.