I never owned one but my mate did, diesel powered, reasonable on fuel, cruised ok on flat roads but a bit lacking when in hilly country, fuel can be tricked up a bit but not worth the effort. His developed a lot of rust , all that type of bus seem to around seams and roof line. He was never happy. Depending on model they come with different motor/gearbox. I have a coaster and could say some of the same things about that, after all they are a old vehicle now not really doing what they were built for
happy hunting
cheers
blaze
ps they are not too bad to do mechanical repairs on compared to some simular type
I have not owned a T3500 bus but have operated the t3500 trucks and owned a Nissan Civillian of the same era and power.
I think that the Mazda T3500 were mechanically good, some had 10 speed gearboxes handy but not essential, that engine gave good economy for what it is. The power is modest and they are a plodder really. No turbo or the like so they cruise at 80-90 OK but are slow on the hills. But that is normal they will get there. The bus is a big square box so driving flat out at the speed limit is pushing it, not comfortable and the fuel use will be much higher. But remember they are old and may have done a lot of Kms.
As blaze said they are very old now, 30-40 years old, and all those busses suffered from RUST. So if it has not been very exceptionally looked after AND has not spent too much time near the sea, it would pay you to look VERY carefully at the rust situation. It comes from the inside, around the seams and the roof join and around the windows. If it is fitted with cupboards and things inside it may not be easy to get there and fix it. But if it is a good one and you just want to poke along steadily it might suit well for a modest price.
I have had a T 3500 for 7 years. If you can find one with the 10 speed g/box, you're laughing. Been crossing Oz since 2014 with Blazeaid, in all states.
At 80 ks an hour, with clean filters, 9 kays to the litre. Any faster, and the consumption goes up, naturally.
