Mathewsons December 2026 sale
Lot 8: 1999 Ford Fiesta Zetec at the Mathewsons December 2026 auction
By Jon Cosson · Last checked
Part of our Bangers & Cash guide.
Listing checked
What the listing says
Mathewsons' listing, based on information from the vendor, states that the vehicle is a Mk4 1.25; it was stored for 12 years and recommissioned about 4,000 miles ago with a cambelt, water pump and belts; it has a recent MOT; and it has a history file.
What to check on any Ford Fiesta Mk4
- Mainstream reviews rate rust as a lower risk than on older Fords, but these cars are now well over 20 years old. Owners report rot in the rear arches, inner arches and sills (particularly near the rear trailing arm mounts), around the fuel filler, the bottom of the tailgate and the floor under the rear seat.
- Check door bottoms, door and tailgate opening edges, and the windscreen surround.
- Damp front carpets usually point to a leak between the windscreen and bulkhead.
- Look for crash repairs and poor previous welding, and for holes cut in the floor under the rear seat, which some owners made to reach the fuel pump instead of dropping the tank.
- The Zetec-SE engines are generally robust but intolerant of neglect. Low or dirty oil can damage the bearings, and coolant loss can lead to head gasket failure. Check the oil level and colour, and the coolant level and condition.
- The 1.25 and 1.4 use a timing belt. Ask for proof of replacement; if there is none, budget to have it done.
Checks for this car
- Confirm the cambelt date on the invoice.
- Check the sills and rear arches.
- Check that the air conditioning works.
Questions to ask before you bid
- Can I see the V5C, and do the chassis and engine numbers match it?
- What history file, invoices and MOT records come with it?
- When was it last used on the road?
- Is there an invoice showing the date of the cambelt change?
- What work was done when it was recommissioned?
Viewing and bidding
Viewing at the Pickering saleroom runs Wednesday 25 November to Tuesday 1 December 2026: Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm, Saturday 9am to 12 noon, closed Sunday. Entry is £5 per person, which includes admission on the day and a donation to one of Mathewsons' chosen charities. The sale is Wednesday 2 to Friday 4 December 2026, held behind closed doors, with bidding online, by telephone or by commission.
Every lot is sold as seen. Read Mathewsons' terms (opens in a new tab) before you register.
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