Digital BW, The Print

I need some advice from the group on a new large format printer.

I've been using a Canon iPF6100 24" printer for the last 3 or 4 years and have been pleased with it for both color and B&W work. The weak point of this printer is the head life (less than 2 years, and at $500 each, and two heads per printer, it can get expensive. At least they are user replaceable). It never clogs, but when the heads go, they GO NOW!

I want to buy a 24" (or possibly a 44") wide printer. I print much more color than B&W, so I want good gamut and Dmax. I plan to use the driver with custom color profiles, not a RIP. Ink costs are always a concern, and so are clogs. Low maintenance is HIGH on my list of priorities.

My biggest problem is that I print only occasionally, usually in spurts, and sometimes I won't use my large format printer for 1–3 months at a time. I know that's begging for maintenance and head clogging problems. I guess I could farm out my larger work, but I lose control over the printing process, quality, etc., and as good as color management tools are, I still often like to print a 2nd or 3rd print to get exactly what I really want.

I'd appreciate any printer suggestions. I am also open to other advise. 

I'd even consider a reliable used printer (workhorse) that will accept 3rd party inks. 

Thanks in advance for your suggestions!

Lou Dina