Digital BW, The Print

I was looking for a few opinions.  I have an opportunity to buy an
epson 4000 that is in good shape for $500.  While I see that "newer,
bigger, faster..." printers are coming out, I don't have the budget
for them.  I have started printing some 12x18 on my 1280 but sometimes
wish I could print larger.  I am also a little frustrated with the
head cleaning and pizza wheel tracks on anything remotely glossy.  I
was thinking that even the new 13x19 printers approach $500 and a 17"
wide printer might be nice - can always print smaller, but you can't
always print bigger.  I was thinking I wouldn't need to buy another
printer for years since it is a "pro" model...

I am wondering about switching out the inkset (once I've finished them
off) and making into b&w printer with MIS UT-3D set.  Any comments on
the print quality of the 4000 vs. the 1280 for comparisons would be nice.

Any thoughts?

Thanks,
Earl