Typically your contract of sale is with the company you bought from, not the manufacturer. Legally the manufacturer doesn't have to lift a finger to help you - that includes Ricoh, Epson, or anyone - unless you bought direct from the manufacturer (because then they'd be the retailer). If you go to the manufacturer off your own back, the seller can wash their hands of the situation so it's important to go to the seller at the first instance.
Legally, the seller cannot insist that you go the manufacturer. They can advise you that it may be quicker to do so, but you're not obliged to do this. You are within your rights to insist that the seller deals with the problem. Indeed, this is what you should do because your sales contract is with the seller.
A warranty is not essential. A warranty is in addition to your legal rights, it does not replace your legal rights. It can only enhance your legal rights, not diminish them. Under the Sale of Goods Act, you have certain rights for up to six years from purchase (five years in Scotland). If your printer is 12 months and 1 day old, don't be put off by the seller saying "it's out of warranty" - because, legally, that doesn't wash. This applies even if you don't have a warranty.
Some rights vary depending on whether you bought as a consumer or as a business. If you bought from an individual (someone selling off a printer on ebay as an individual) or if you bought a second-hand unit, then your rights are severely diminished. In all circumstances you should read up on the Sale of Goods Act to learn what your rights are.
It's up to you how you want to use your rights. If your printer is 3 years old and it's showing signs of problems, then it may be time to replace it anyway because it may be deemed to have lasted for a "reasonable time" and any redress you get may be too minor to justify your efforts.
We don't get too much help in this country, but we do have legal rights. If you need them, use them. But use them properly.
looks good and inexpensive.