I've been trying to respond with a post of my own, but Mudcat was unavailable for a while. Here it is:

The one I liked and that seemed a water and energy efficient model is called "Bravos" by Maytag. It's a top loader with a window in the lid. It has an Energystar rating , and would cost an estimated $29 per year with our electric water heater.

Half the water and energy use of conventional washers, and less than most front loaders, the capacity is 4.6 cubic feet. It's a clearance item in the nearest city.

We'll see. No guarantees that we'll be able to buy a new one, but it seems a good idea if we can. We already have a dryer wrapped in a tarp ready to come inside. $20 at a neighbor's yard sale. We only need it for jeans, sheets, blankets, pillows, etc.

PS I like mohair too. :)