MP470 printer by Canon waste ink limits

I've had the MP470 for a couple months. It's quieter than my old HP multi-purpose printer, and the printed word looks crisper and darker. It has similar cartridges and they can be refilled with kits similar to the HP. The only negative aspect is a thing called the waste ink container. Apparently the printer automatically cleans the cartridges and puts ink generated by this process on an absorbent pad(s) in a cup(s). In a couple years, on average, the pads become saturated, generate a warning message and finally shut the printer down. The pads are supposed to be replaced at the factory, but users report varying success with removing, rinsing, drying and re-installing them. Factory replacement cost of the pad(s) is close to that of a new printer. Do it yourself and the ink cartridge level sensor may cease to work. Other mfgrs may be using this concept, so it's something to specifically check on when buying a printer.