Back in the LS fold again!

[Antharro]

I just picked up a 2004 facelift LS430, and I'm very happy to be back in the Lexus fold! I had almost forgotten just how much of a great car these are. It has a few things to work on and it's high mileage (199,700), but it's been well maintained and is in good condition!

I wanted to check with the forum - do I need to do the radiator swap-out as on the early LS430s? Any other preventative maintenance I need to do on a facelift?

Also, I need a few parking sensors - at least three or four. Where's the best place to get them? Are the cheap ones on eBay any good?

Thanks!

[steve2006]

Welcome back David.

Yes it’s a good idea to do the radiator/cooler, fortunately  my 2004 had already been done along with most other things before purchase.

[Tomtit]

I bought a rear parking sensor kit from eBay a couple of years ago. It has worked fine.

[BigBoomer]

Welcome back David.

Instead of the rad swap you could fit the separate gearbox cooler and future proof it.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/203647234325

I have fitted eBay sourced parking sensors and they work fine. For how long is another matter, and it can be difficult to get colours other than black, silver, and white. My car is dark blue and the black ones blend in nicely.

[Antharro]

I was wondering about the eBay sourced ones - they seem SO much cheaper than the factory ones. But for the price they're worth a go. I've just booked the car in with my local Lexus dealer for a full front to back check-over and my regular mechanic will also be giving it a check over. It has a few odd things that need fixing plus whatever they find. So I'm looking to get everything done at once, so hopefully I can just do routine maintenance and servicing over the next few years!

[BigBoomer]

If you get one of the eBay radiators, make certain it is exactly the right one. It needs to have a little overflow adapter on the top right for the 2004 LS.
This is what it needs to look like https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/223198959289