I would have to agree with washing machine example although I don't think the quality is what it used to be so longevity is in question.

Many products however are built to be throw away and buy a new one type of thing. A prime example is a computer, after warranty runs out if major problems occur it is cheaper to just buy a new one than to have it repaired.

Global competition has really made products cheaper to buy but also cheaply made so garbage dumps are full of broken products that were too expensive to fix or a person saw newest model and bought it and chucked the old one.

I think it is a change in society buying habits, majority want latest and greatest. I am always careful what I buy with thought in mind that I will keep it it until it falls a part. With cars, I consider it an accomplishment to run it as many miles as I can.

Marketing/advertising plays a huge part in buying habits, always has.