Years don't really mean much. Cycles are a much more meaningful life measurement.
Top loads are pretty low performing machines, no internal heaters, slow spin speeds, lots of water for full loads. Stepping back to these is like getting into a 70's smog sedan. At best they'll clean "ok" using tons of soap and water, good ones can last, at worst and most of them are total garbage. Top loaders without agitators dont clean well, and those with agitators clean better, but beat up your stuff - a new work polo is basically wasted after 1 wash a week for a year.
Front loaders without a heater are of marginal usefulness, but are much better with water and soap and gentler on your clothes.
Front loaders with internal heaters, high spin speeds- 1600, and 100% SS drums (plastic ladles in drums are sub optimal) are where it's at. I can get 5 years out of a work polo in this kind of machine.