Hello OP,
Great question an it is one that is very subjective with the answer. The 7.3 PowerStroke is a great diesel... there is no doubt about that. However, it still has its issues that must be dealt with and that you should be aware of. Injectors can still run $1000.00 or more, Thinks like the HPOP are relatively expensive, there are two batteries.. Standard diesel stuff.
Now, what you need to be aware of is the 4R100 transmission is the weak link in these (our ) trucks. This transmission is quite literally a late 1980's slightly refined technology. The 4R100 is very similar to E4OD with the main differences coming from the electronics. They are reliable in their stock form but can suffer from stiff 2-3 (as in shake the dash hard) shifts. This may mean that you need a rebuild. It may also mean that you have some broke/weak springs in your valve body. I have a V10 F350 and I suffer from the hard 2-3 shift. I am getting ready to rebuild my valve body to see if this resolves the issue. But I am prepared to rebuild the transmission as well.
If the diesel has been modified or "chipped" you can expect a new transmission shortly.
This Diesel does have turbo lag. There is a bit of time it takes for the turbo to spool up. If you have driven gassers or you are use to a newer diesel you will notice the turbo lag, especially from a standing start.
The newer diesels (the 6.0 and the 6.7) use different technologies to pretty much eliminate turbo lag.
With this in mind the 7.3 is an awesome motor, proven, reliable, and relatively powerful. If everything checks out, I would not hesitate to own one, let me put it that way.
Thanks!
Jeremiah
