Ricoh MFC advice

[iCornerstone]

Some advice please on Colour printer/copier/scanner

I have been looking at these 2nd hand colour printers/copiers listed below and i am thinking of buying one of them. All would fit the requirements as far as specs go.
- Do you have any recommendations to STAY CLEAR of specific models? - Do you recommend any BETTER ones instead?

I am looking mainly for:
a) Reliability issues
b) Colour performance
c) Toner and drum expense
======LIST======
Ricoh 2238
Ricoh 2232
Ricoh AP3800c
Ricoh Aficio MP C2500

[Eric1968]

I would go for the MPC2500. The other machines are rather old. Don't go for the AP3800, this machine is almost ancient.

[iCornerstone]

Does the MPC2500 have good colour quality?

[Eric1968]

The MPC2500 is one of the latest models. I've expirienced no serious troubles with this model. Good color quality.

[iCornerstone]

Thanks for the information

[iCornerstone]

One more question
Are all these machines based on the same engine therefore the same quality and reliability just different speed specs?

• Ricoh MP C2000 / MP C2500 / MP C3000 series.
  
• Gestetner DSC520 / DSC525 / DSC530 / MP C2500 / MP C3000 series.
  
• Lanier LD420 / LD425 / LD430 series.
  
• Savin C2525 / C3030 series.

[FRIDGEMAGNET]

One more question
Are all these machines based on the same engine therefore the same quality and reliability just different speed specs?

• Ricoh MP C2000 / MP C2500 / MP C3000 series.
  
• Gestetner DSC520 / DSC525 / DSC530 / MP C2500 / MP C3000 series.
  
• Lanier LD420 / LD425 / LD430 series.
  
• Savin C2525 / C3030 series.

Yes - good boxes although the latest models do give better access for techs into the rear of the machine.

[iCornerstone]

Thanks. I like your office space pic

[Shadow1]

The 2232 and 2238 are the same engine except for speed and is an update of the 3800.

I've always preferred these over the MPC2500 engine machines based on reliability and ease of maintenance. The drums are SOOOOooooo.... much easier to change, and usually run to their life spec. I've had very few MPC2500 drums make it to PM

The 3800 was a decent printer considering how old it is, but the color quality wasn't good for much beyond printing the occasional web page. The 2238 was a big improvement, and is very maintainable (this engine series was originally designed to be user maintenance). The MPC2500 does have better color quality, but they're a lot harder on the tech, and since your buying used its a newer machine it will likely be more expensive. Its also the slowest machine you have listed.

It depends on your needs - if you need the absolute best in color quality get the MPC2500. If good color is good enough, and you need reliability and lower costs get the 2238.