Roof rack is attached using hooks instead of gutters. This makes it virtually impossible for roof rack manufacturers to design a system which can support any substantial weight. With the standard Mitsubishi equipment (Rola) my roof rack came off on a corrugated road, and when I upgraded to Thule racks it came off again when I hit a hole in the road. Weight was never more than 70kg.
Apart from this shortcoming, no problems whatsoever.
Fantastic small car with real selectable 2WD/4WD with low range and central diff lock just like the larger pajeros. This means you can go places which are impossible using the constant 4WD system of other small 4WD cars.
The small 1.8L engine is economical, but adequate even when fully loaded.
Clearance is OK for it's size. The undercarriage is well protected.
I've had the 99 Pajero io for about a year now. Great little 4wd. Has good under carriage protection, climbs well and as a SWB I've found it can get into some tight places. The only problem I have with it is it's clearance; even a couple of inches more would do the trick. Parts have to be ordered from Japan, which sucks.
Overall though, I'm very happy with it's off road capability. I would go so far as to say it's the best small 4wd out there.
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