Hi,
I just purchased a 2008 Honda Rancher 4x4 almost 2 weeks ago. I apparently did not look it over 100% at the sales location because when I got home I noticed some rust around the wheel area and some rust underneath on one piece. I called the salesperson and he told me the rust was due to it not being ridden enough. Now, I'm no ATV expert but I don't believe that has anything to do with it.

Is the rust serious enough for me to complain and take it back to the dealership? The dealership is 2 hours roundtrip from my house. I also asked him to send me an Owner's Manual via the mail because it did not come with one. I feel that I should not have to drive 2 hours for the manual but he should send me one in the mail.

I have pictures that I can email if someone wants to take a look at the rusted parts.

Thanks for any help!!!!!

 

Do they have quads outside on display? Probably it was out there and got rained on, and didn't get dried quickly enough. We ride at the beach (Pismo and Oregon Dunes), where there is salt water and very damp nights....so I know all about rust!

If it is just on the surface, and isn't going to compromise the strength of any parts, then I wouldn't worry about it. Maybe wipe it off very well, and spray it with some WD-40 now and then to keep moisture away, or even give it a bit of paint.

As for the manual, they definitely should be taking care of that for you. (Did you look, and be sure the manual isn't under the seat or in the trunk???)

 

Ask a different dealer what they think about it. It doesn't rust from not riding enough, and they must think you're stupid to even say that. I've never seen an ATV rust unless the paint was scratched off.

 

yea the formula for rust is fe2 o3 , so that means that u must have iron(fe3) exposed to oxygen(o30) paint wont rust - he thought u was stupid & proved he was by sayin that , treatment like that is a GOOD way to get repeat business

 

Was he joking with you? I can't believe someone would say that and be serious! If he was, I would get the manual and find a new dealer. Maybe talk to the manager if you care enough. I agree with reconranger.....it's probly surface rust and nothing to be concerned about. The dealers typically put them outside for show and they can get wet, causing the rust. Your rancher will see plenty of this in it's long life with you, I'm sure, because once you play in the mud you will be hooked like the rest of us!

 

Just gonna go with the flow here... if it's surface then it's no problem. Just picked up my 08 LTR the other day, on my rear swingarm I noticed a little tiny bit of rust, but I know that this quad has sat outside the dealer a few times and it was transported during a rainfall so I'm not too concerned.