I believe the warranty on the gearcase is actually 2 years. You can contact Whirlpool at 1-800-253-1301 to confirm.
If your washer is older than two years and you require a gearcase replacement, you can perform the repair yourself for about $150 if you wish to avoid purchasing a new washer. You can order the part on line at pcappliancerepair.com. The part number is 3360629. The following link explains step-by-step how to replace the gearcase if you wish to pursue the repair on your own:
NOTE: You can also order a refurbished gearcase at searspartsdirect.com for about $110. The part number is 3360629R.
This is not a difficult repair, but it can be time consuming if this is the first time you've attempted a repair like this. These machines are designed to easily affect repairs. Read through the link provided and let me know if you have any questions. I hope I've given you enough information to make your decision.
PS The quote you have is a bit high. Although the repair is still expensive, it usually runs about $300 if you have a repairman perform this job. Replacing a gearcase by a professional can be accomplished in less than an hour.
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