(BPT) - When it comes to value purchases, there are few that compare to buying a used car over a new one, since new cars begin to depreciate the minute they are driven off the lot. If you are able to find a used car that still has plenty of life, you can save thousands from what you would pay for a new car.

While buying used can net you the best deal on a car purchase, it also requires you to do your homework to make sure you truly are getting good value from your purchase. Here are six steps to help you rest assured that your used car purchase is a good one:

* Start by identifying the type of car you want to buy. Consider expanding your search to similar car models that offer the same types of benefits. For example, though the Chevy Equinox and GMC Terrain are different in name, they are nearly identical mechanically.