The document outlines a seven-step process for researching and purchasing an automobile: 1) prioritizing wants, 2) pre-shopping research, 3) fitting the budget, 4) comparison shopping, 5) negotiating, 6) making the decision, and 7) evaluating the decision. It recommends researching vehicle options, prices, and costs before visiting dealerships to be an informed buyer. The document also discusses factors like new vs used vehicles, lemon laws, and the large financial investment a vehicle purchase requires careful planning.