Hi SeanYou are in a good position, as you will be starting with a clean slate, no old customer database or accounts to transfer over
If i was in this position i would start as you mean to go on, and that is opt for an industry standard package that is tried and tested such as MAM Software
Autowork they should be able to provide a demo CD
This should give you accounts, invoicing, customer service records. Once you get up to speed then you can add a few bolt ons for parts, repair times etc
The best thing is to run the system along side your existing paper system, i know it may seem a little extra work, but once you, and your staff feel confident, you can just drop the paper system, then gradually add ICME and ASP, so you can create estimates as well
I am not sure what the cost of Autowork is but don't be put off by price, its worth it for a proven robust system
Other options are to run separate software packages like Quickbooks or Sage, plus a database and parts look up CD's and ICME CD's, but it all gets a bit fragmented
Another option is something like Unipart-Direct, which is internet based, but that may be a little down the road for you at the moment, also has its pitfall's (but that's another story)
HTH
Peter