I have an inkjet (Cannon Pro100) where the original cartridges are resetable (refillable) and I use 3rd party inks. I've spent about $200 on ink over the past six years and another $200 on a replacement head assembly. I've printed color limited run photo-zines, B-size photo enlargements, and dummies/proofs/etc without thinking about cost.
Regular use is the key to avoiding problems with inkjets. And affordable ink is the key to regular use. Of course "affordable" is a function of time and money that varies from case to case. I mean I do spend time refilling cartridges in exchange for the cost of original Canon cartridges. And the ink in Canon cartridges is technically a better ink...but I print much much much more.