Faults:

Clutch failure - replaced with a new clutch damper.

Super select - works but will not go into 4wdL.

General Comments:

Great car to drive.

Brilliant gearbox.

Could maybe do with a 6th gear?

Highly underrated off-roader (very capable even without low-range).

Central differential locker works great.

Not underpowered.

Fun car to drive.

Mostly comfortable.

Faults:

There are a couple of rattles here & there, the most annoying being the rattle on start up from the rear muffler, as it sounds like a broken baffle, & affects performance on & off (soon to be replaced). Other than that, everything is in perfect working order!

General Comments:

I used to keep cars for up to two years, but a great experience with my Suzuki Baleno Baleno GS changed that... by the time it's sold, it will be ten years! I also bought a Toyota MR2 two years ago as my fun car. Then I went looking for something that added to the Baleno's practicality, while adding a little crudity; I love to feel the mechanicals working around me! After looking at Feroza's, Rav's, Vitara's & the like, I came across this little gem. He (his name is Scrat after the Ice Age character) is just fabulous!

OK, performance is lacking with a 75kw 1.6, but he gets up to cruise readily. He can also tow a trailer, climb everything I'm likely to encounter. & is so rare it gets a lot of looks.

It also feels like a proper little truck, but if you want a family car on stilts, go for a CR-V or Rav4. This little fellow can get quite seriously dirty if required.

Value of these secondhand is fabulous. I also recommend that if you buy one you look under the following headings on Ebay; Pajero io, Pajero Pinin, Pajero TR4, Shogun Pinin. Yes, it was sold under many names worldwide, but Ebay is your friend for hard to find bits. Heck, I've just landed an interior trim kit from there! If you're in Melbourne & you see a burgundy over silver 3 door io with tinted windows, it's probably me... with my Scrat character in the back window :)

Faults:

- A small rust spot had formed on the roof above the drivers seat.

- Minor oil leak from transfer box.

General Comments:

The iO is the only small yet modern 4wd on the market capable of high speed touring and serious off roading. The transfer box allows 2wd through the rear wheels; all wheel drive with center diff; High-range locked center diff and low-range locked center diff.

On the bitumen the iO handles well, comparable to most small cars with a short wheelbase. It handles potholes, but can crash a bit over large speed humps if driven over 60km/h. This is mainly due to the short rear suspension links.

Constant-4 in the wet is a dream, smooth cornering and controlled application of power.

The 2.0L engine lets you cruise easily at 120km/h, and will punch out to over 160 if wound up in 4th.

High-speed dirt road driving is smooth and surprisingly quiet. 2wd tends to over steer with the rear stepping out under power, while 4wd (you can shift into at up to 100km/h) feels very balanced and neutral. Low ratio L4 gives the iO tonnes of power, and it readily climbs, but can lift wheels if you approach obstacles too fast.

Front suspension is limiting in tyre choices without modification. A 225/70-16 will fit but very close to under side of McPherson strut spring-base. BFG tyres manufacture a 215/65-16 that is the standard size specified by the manufacturer. Apparently KYB replacement front struts add 20mm clearance. Rear diff-lock is available through ARB Australia, however snorkel's, winches and integrated bull-bars are only readily available in Brazil.

I bought the iO to replace my aging Lada Niva, and the iO, while not quite as high or flexible, will still give most large 4wd's a run for their money.

The 2.0L MPI 4G94 motor is easily enhanced with many of the "Mitsubishi Lancer" hot parts i.e. camshafts and ECU piggy-backs, but in its stock form produces excellent power while maintaining 10.5L/100kms, even with heavy driving (98 octane fuel, economy significantly worse on lower grades).