I've edited the contest brief to give designers a better idea of who we are. Please don't think of us as the 'average' automotive repair shop! I am a female co-owner of a repair facility with a large female clientele. I am *not* looking for a logo that suggests power, performance, throttle, octane, etc. as this is not our demographic. Although appealing to woman is very important we don't want anything that is too feminine either.
We serve the dad in his 40's whose dropping off his car on his way to a business meeting, the mom who's main car concerns are that it is safe and reliable so she can get her kids to school, soccer, etc, the single guy in his mid-to-late 20's who isn't interested in souping up his car anymore and is now focused on sticking to the manufacturer's maintenance schedule.
We are looking for something a little fun and stylish but still professional and suggests that we are automotive. Hope this helps and I look forward to the designs!