I can only add to this from a driver's perspective, and even then only to the ambulance version.
The 2.4 liter VW diesel is a good powerplant for the Pinz. It is basically the same engine found in 240 and 740 series Volvo diesels from the 1980' and the European VW LT transporters. It is an evolution of the 1.6 l four cylinder diesel found in the Golfs of the time.
With higher mileage (typically around 100k miles) they like to suffer a cracked head. Hard cold starts, lots of white smoke. Replacement upgraded 2 piece heads are available.
The auto tranny was fine; I am not particular to autos, but crawling about off-road with the heavy fiberglass abolance shelter was pleasant with the auto box.
Compared to the 710 and 712s that I was used to driving at the time, the 718 was a big step forward. It actually has sound-proofing! The howling air cooled gasser lump in the 710 and 712 did get annoying after a while.
You can tell that I am not a Pinzgauer nut? Sorry.
The 718 is a newer, improved....better...Pinzgauer.