Buying a FL2 - MY considerations

[zzsteve]

Longterm Disco and RR owner now considering a FL2. I would be using it mostly for suburban driving with sand tracks and beach capabilities for SEQ also required. From my reading so far I understand that the TR and general setup gives it good capabilities despite the lack of low range/diff lock.
So,
1) Should I consider all FL2's from 2009 on, or focus on 2011 on (facelift?) or 2013 (latest TR)?
2) I feel the 2.2 TD4 is more appropriate given its torque and general lack of vices, mileage and serviceability. V6 would be considered but, 98RON fuel makes me apprehensive.
3) I'd look at a strut lift, but 30, 40 or 50mm and is there a need for camber correction on the front?
4) Are snorkels a thing or just all custom fabrications?
5) Do I get a FL2 licence for my Nanocom Evolution or buy a different diagnostic tool?

Budget would be up to $15k for a good example with less than 200k. The market seems promising at the moment.
TIA Steve
98 RR HSE

[trumpycam]

1-Definitely a post 2011, a bit more sorted and don't have to worry about swirl flaps.
2- TD 4 very reliable, economical and best off road especially with auto.
3 +4 Check out Muddy Mods in the UK, great place to get rid of any surplus cash!
5- Don't know, in 7 years of ownership never needed one.(will probably regret saying that tomorrow)

[Phideaux]

I'm a from-new owner of an 2011 FL2 TD4, and happy about it (180,000km). A few thoughts:
From (I think) 2012, they fitted a reversing camera (a surprising omission from earlier iterations).
The diesels are a little noisy (but not at highway speeds). Even so, recommended. 420nm torque means effortless towing.
Some of the last ones had a Ford turbo-4 petrol fitted - a good motor but a little thirsty in a Freelander, but nothing like the legendary thirst of the 3.2L V6.
I don't know for sure if any were built with the 9-speed auto, if so, very desirable (about 2015). The last of the series 1 Evoques were, might be worth a look. Evoques - with the bling and trendy looks - unlikely to have done any off-road work.
SD4 (if you can find one in the price-range) had 140kw/420nm instead of 110kw/420nm and a fair bit more electric 'fruit', like seat adjustments.
Tip - the 17" rims are the best for off-road work, and tyre availability/choice. 18" and up - not so much 'now', but particularly early on - it was hard to find a good combination road/off-road tyre. (I run Pirelli Scorpion Zeros - the off-road ones if I can find them).
If some idiot wrote my FL2 off tomorrow, I'd go get another one (or an Evoque, or the Jaguar equivalent). Anything better off-road has low range, in fact some vehicles with low range don't match it. Clearance is the only issue. Highway comfort is great.