Digital BW, The Print

What is the expected longevity of an Epson printer?  I've 
got an Epson 980 that I like ALOT and which is no longer 
available (I would buy a back-up 980 printer, if I could 
find one).  So I'm wondering what the life expectancy of 
the print head and other parts of the printer are.  What 
are the symptoms to watch for that indicate the print head 
is wearing out?  I figure I've made about 1,500 prints with 
this 980 so far.  TIA.

Gary Benson
Eagle River, Alaska