IT'S not only the Model T that sees us haring off to part with our cash in March - it's also one of the best months for ''white'' goods as the cosmetic attraction of a new appliance enhances tarted-up kitchens. After being around for so many years it's surely astonishing that the washing machine is still ''one of the most likely to break down'', according to Which?. Around one in every four front-loaders needs repairs by the time it is six years old, the magazine reports this month. Best bets emerge as AEG, Bosch, Candy, Miele, Tricity, Bendix, and Zanussi. The ones you may want to avoid are Creda, Electra, Hoover, Hotpoint, and Philco. White Knight is voted most reliable electric tumble drier; Bosch, Neff, and Zanussi are good buys in dishwashers, and Panasonic and Sebo most reliable upright vacuum cleaners. Once again, Hoover is among the worst. Alba and Toshiba are worth looking at if

you are buying a video recorder this weekend and Binatone and Philips are rated the best cordless phones.

WITH Easter beckoning, don't be tempted to buy a rabbit as a child's pet unless you're absolutely sure you - or the recipient - can care for it with loving affection. Reporting a ''brutal Christmas'' the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA) cites - among many tragic incidents - a caged rabbit abandoned by the roadside in bitter weather. ''Miraculously'', it recovered; sadly, a black lurcher pup, did not survive after being ditched in New Cumnock, its back legs bound with parcel tape and front paws taped to its muzzle. A #100 reward has been offered for information leading to conviction. Contact SSPCA (0131 390111) if you know about this or similar cases of cruelty.

THAT master of kitchen innovation, Lakeland, shares the secrets of the new springtime range with us and unearths a treasure trove of ideas - like a hand-woven wicker potato hopper, #30, that safely stores up to 9kg of tatties, or a smaller version, #20, for carrots and onions. Talking of which . . . you'll not shed any tears after forking out #17.50 for the remarkable onion cutter that chops a whole pound in barely three minutes with not a tear in sight. With a biscuit gun, #13.75, Scots can indulge a passion for cookies at the press of a button, taking their pick of 13 different shapes. Another remarkable gadget is the Wonder Cooker that, for a mere #25, converts frozen meat into a succulent dish, or likewise cooks frozen chips to perfection, in minutes. It will also turn out omelettes, pizzas, toasted sandwiches, and pasta dishes. Just as well it carries a lifetime guarantee! Heralding

the spring, a delightful daffodil carafe is #15 and a terracotta pitcher with hand-printed daffs #19. Phone order on 015394 88100 or visit Lakeland shops in George Street, Edinburgh; Union Street, Aberdeen; and the new Buchanan Galleries branch opening in Glasgow next month.

A CHEMICAL breakthrough has produced a new environmentally friendly plaster remover in the shape of a gel that tackles many a home decorator's nightmare - Artex coatings. The difficult and laborious task - often tackled in a surge of springtime enthusiasm - is easier to confront with Delta Gel-Tex, the outcome of a #50,000 research programme by the company that produced successful graffiti and chewing gum removers. Details from Dabs, 2 The Green, Kings Norton, Birmingham B38 8BR.

A MAJOR Scots supermarket chain is responding to customer concerns about animal testing with a new ''cruelty-free'' guarantee on babycare products. It assures them that neither the product nor its ingredients has been tested on animals after a 1985 cut-off date specified by Scotmid. A guarantee symbol is being introduced this month that will soon appear on other items in the Scotmid toiletries and skincare ranges . . . Its new Sandpiper range, in contemporary washed stone or light cherry finish, for the living/dining room and the bedroom will appeal to style-conscious Scots, says furniture-maker Ducal. Hi-fi cabinets, sideboards, and buffet cabinets will complement any room, says the award-winning designer . . . Scots planning a spring break in Australia should be on guard against becoming road sex victims, warns RAC Scotland today. A national poll reveals that nearly half of drivers in Australia

admitted to dangerous sexual fantasies or sexual anger behind the wheel, a major accident cause . . . Tesco Easter eggs come with a K'Nexsaurus set at #3 for 110g, while #25 buys a 270g egg with a K'nex Skyflyer set . . . New range of Sainsbury's Chinese ready meals includes prawn wantons #1.69 for six and crispy chilli prawns #3.99; chicken and oyster sauce, chicken and cashew nuts, chicken and black bean sauce, sweet and sour chicken in crispy batter and sweet and sour pork, all #2.99; and roast duck and Shanghai noodles #3.29 . . . Beginners' guide to Investing, from Alliance & Leicester, categorises savers as Rachels, Monicas, Chandlers and Joeys - characters in the TV soap, Friends. Pick up a copy at any branch in Scotland.