Here is my counter argument to this.

If there was a way to say, make a $300 washing machine last 20 years for only $100 more.. there would be a huge incentive for a new washing machine manufacturer to sell a $600 washer machine guaranteed to last 20 years.

Sure he only made $200 more profit than the guy selling the $300 washer machine, and he lost 3 future sales.. but he has 0% of the market to start with. Not like he has anything to lose.

I suspect we could make a 20 year washer for less than $5000.. but I bet it would still be a lot. Say $2000. And even at that price, still cheaper to the user to throw away the $300 washer every 5 years.