That is what the sales person said...the new ones coming in this month are different and what they had there is all they had left of the current model. The repair place just called and they can come out tomorrow instead of Thursday so I'll know more tomorrow morning hopefully.

I heard the same thing, that the new Speed Queens had to meet the low water standards in 2018. I guess we won't have any more traditional washers available to us any more. I think it is a shame.

The only thing related to low-water standards on the redesigned SQ toploaders is that they have an automatic water level sensing function which is required to meet the standards (and also choice of three manual levels). The fill levels are not low-water, it fills plenty full. IMO it may fill a bit too much via auto-sensing for a some loads. The mechanical design is changed to allow for the auto-sensing. There are videos on YouTube of a 2018 machine running various types of loads.

Well the good news is my machine was able to be repaired. The repairman said my machine was a good old machine (Kenmore top loader w/agitator) and he said his recommendation for a new machine would be a Speed Queen. Hopefully I've bought myself some time before needing to replace my washer and dryer.

Can you buy the older model SQ now and store it for a later date?

That's great that you fixed your old faithful. I think the older ones can be fixed easily so you may be able to keep it running for many years. Look at those guys over on AW that have washers in working condition that are very old...some even able to use the first automatics to hit the market. I'm so in awe of those guys..that includes Dadoes.