Avoid the electronic bells and whistles and you'll do just fine.
The absolute lowest price front-loader I found when we were washer shopping back Thanksgiving week was at Lowes - it was for a Fisher & Paykel front-loader. It was (and still is) $599. My concern - according the salesman who actually was pushing that washer, is that it can take 3-4 weeks for repairs because they have to order the parts - from overseas....
Our neighbor has high-end Whirlpool front load washer and dryer - and the washer went out last year. It took over 6 weeks for the parts to come in for the warranty repair to be done...
I dunno - if I spend $1200-1400 for a washer, not only do I expect not to need warranty work to begin with, but if I do - I certainly don’t expect it to take more than a few days.
All that being said - I would actually like a front-loader. They use less water, and from what I have seen - actually do a better job of cleaning clothes.