Buyers guide available?

Firstly the bad news, looks like the wifes Freelander is going to be written off, parts alone come in at 6k so we are waiting for the insurance news. So some parts place will be getting a 54plate HSE TD4 with damage to the offside front (Front suspension, steering, driveshaft)

Now the good news, that means I'll be on the lookout for another one soonish.
When I bought it, I didn't really do enough research but we were lucky so this time I guess I am wanting some validation of things to look for and how to check on a test drive, apart from the usual 2nd hand buying checks. Done a search for a buyers guide but didn't see one.

1. VCU problems, Reverse on full lock and see if it feels as the brakes are on?

2. Clonking when releasing the clutch on the move going through the gears indicating bushes or IRD?

I imagine there are loads more so please feel free to add more and correct my thoughts on the 2 above.
Thanks in Advance

could you buy it back from the insurers and fix it yourself, get a complete second hand freelander for peanuts.

I found plenty of information when I was looking for my wife's one earlier in the year. There are some general guides on the web but the various LR magazines also had several so armed with all that info and a Haynes manual (to familierize me with the workings of the vehicle) I made the purchase.

As much as I'd love to tinker, don't have the time or space to do so fixing myself is a no no, especially with a 11 week old in the house.
Got a good value from the insurer though so will be able to go out and buy soon.
The Haynes manual would be handy to have so will make it my Xmas present to myself.
Google will be my friend