I had a vehicle once that started to get wet carpets after a rain. After MUCH investigating and head scratching, it turned out that it had a little rust along the top edge of the windshield. The rust had crept under the windshield glue and it...
I have wheeled with a buddy in a 200. My GX is definitely more nimble and has a better turning radius. It's a bit lighter too. (BTW my DD is an LX570. I haven't wheeled it, but I definitely feel the larger size in parking lots etc.)
Once the rust chemical reaction starts it will continue as long as it has access to air and water. Driving the rig in the rain or even humid conditions with condensation is enough to keep it going, although it's certainly not as bad as driving it...
I'd hit it with Fluid Film, stops the rust from progressing. You don't want a rubberized coating over rust, it will keep going (dunno what your Amish guy is using).