Vehicle Servicing and Repairs You Can Count On at Carisma Cars

South Dunedin’s Carisma Cars is one of Otago’s few independent vehicle service and repair shops. It is also one of longest established, having been around for more than 30 years.

Together, Steve Lawton and his son Andrew, have built a strong reputation for being able to diagnose what’s wrong with the trickiest of vehicles – and then repair it.

The Challenge of European Cars

John McKenzie, who owns Dunedin’s McKenzie Architects says that when you own a notoriously temperamental Alfa Romeo, you need a mechanic who is a car whisperer. In the 23 years, Steve Lawton has been looking after John McKenzie’s vehicles – several of them Alfas – he has never failed to find the cause of a problem and repair it.

John says, “Italian cars can be tricky, requiring lateral thinking because often the issues aren’t obvious. But Steve seems to like the challenges they provide – in fact, the harder the better. I find he is always prepared to go above and beyond the call of duty.”

More Than Just Europeans

Carisma Cars repairs not only European vehicles but also provides all types of mechanical servicing for cars, SUVs and recreational vehicles.

Steve Lawton is a self-confessed automotive aficionado with a keen eye on the future of personal transport. He believes hydrogen is the fuel of the future.

Andrew, himself a fully qualified mechanic, joined Steve in the business in 2000.

Operating from purpose-built premises in MacAndrew Rd, Carisma Cars can do everything a factory dealership can do (and more) – and often much more cost effectively.

The company has a strong community spirit. Steve is a long-time member of Business Networking International (BNI) and has organised a number of highly profitable events for charity, especially Hospice.

When you need your personal vehicles looked after by professionals, Carisma Cars is where you need to head.

What our clients say about us

I have been using Carisma Cars to look after and service my many vehicles for over 30 years. I am impressed with their “Do it once and do it right” approach to resolving what have been, at times, difficult issues with some of my more unusual vehicles. Steve has also sourced two imports for me, one of which we have had for 12 years. Both of those cars have been problem-free.

Robert Wyber, Roslyn

“Carisma Cars checked to confirm the diagnosis and found the fault had been misdiagnosed. The vehicle was repaired for $300. We have used Steve ever since and I enjoy telling people to take their cars to Carisma Cars. He gives 100-percent and is straight up and down.”

Ruth Bankier, The Alley Cantina

“Italian cars can be tricky, requiring lateral thinking because often the issues aren’t obvious. But Steve seems to like the challenges they provide – in fact, the harder the better. I find he is always prepared to go above and beyond the call of duty.”