2001 Honda Foreman Rubicon 500 walk-around and cold start, January 25, 2024

Whitesville, KY

[@KeithHaynes87]

I’ve been shopping for a good used machine here in Michigan. Thank you to the men who shared good advice with me for things to look at when buying used. I drove 90 minutes one way yesterday to look at an 03 Rubicon. Because of this video, your comments and a few other videos I was able to identify several significant issues with that machine. The owner wouldn’t negotiate and wasn’t interested in hearing what was wrong with it. When i got back home he asked me what I found and asked me to make an offer. By that time I wasn’t interested, mostly because i knew it had a LOT of issues that were not disclosed. He didn’t like my offer but immediately lowered his asking price on marketplace. I’m proud of myself for walking away. Thanks again all.

[@kentcan]

I hate walking away after a long drive, but I don't buy from liars. If you found four things, chances are there were at least four others you didn't find! A man who does not respect you is not deserving of your purchase. It was definitely the right move.

[@braydenwaterhouse3723]

What kind of battery does it take

[@jejoko]

Is it still available?

[@williamharris1823]

How much you asking for it

[@JasonPruitt1980]

Curious your price?

[@KeithHaynes87]

What is the going rate on these? There’s never a listing available…

[@kentcan]

Yeah, in good condition they go pretty fast. Here in Western6 Kentucky, they generally go between $3,500 and $4,000, depending on mileage, condition, and accessories (like a winch).

[@KeithHaynes87]

Thank you so much for that info. I’m set to buy a yellow one tomorrow. Seller has it listed at 3500. It’s looks in good shape. Michigan. Any tips for a buyer? This will be MY first four wheeler. Looking to use it as a tool around my home mostly.

[@kentcan]

@@KeithHaynes87 Well, first thing would be to keep in mind a rule of thumb I like to use a lot for these ATVs that are 20 plus years old: if it doesn't have anything wrong with it today, it will tomorrow. Even a well-maintained ATV is used outdoors and is going to have issues with water, sun, and weather. That being said, there are definitely a couple of standard items I check when buying an atv. First, you are of course going to check for leaks. Look under the bottom for any wet spots. Ask the seller to see where it usually parks. Second, I test the charging system. Use a Multimeter and check the voltage at the battery while it is running. An ATV with a good charging system will read somewhere around 13.5 when running. Third, jack up the rear of the machine. Put it in two-wheel drive and make sure only the rear wheels spin. Then put it in four-wheel drive and make sure the front wheels try to pull it off the jack. Finally, you can reasonably expect some wear on common maintenance parts. Things like ball joints and wheel bearings. And as always, these old Hondas almost always need brake work on the front or the back, or both. If both the front and rear brakes work decently right now as is, you've got yourself a good one! 😁

[@KeithHaynes87]

I really appreciate that information! I’m looking at an 03 Foreman Rubicon 500. It is my understand that it has 4x4 that is on all the time. Do you know any differently? Anything specific on that model? I’ve asked the owner to leave it cold and not run it so I can check the cold starts. You have more Honda rubicon videos that anyone. So thanks for that!!

[@Trx500Fa]

​@@KeithHaynes87Make sure that you really check everything before buying. I have a 2004 Rubicon 500. We did not check when buying it, and now it's sitting in the shop. The FWD worked at first, then after a couple rides the front tires stopped working. And now it has a stator problem, and won't charge while running it. But if it is taken real care of (like the one in the video), these Honda's will take a beating.