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Thank you very much for your informative and comprehensive reply John and it seems that is the way I will go. I had hoped that someone might also suggest an alternative known make such as Bilstein or Spax as the shocks that Lexus fits to its cars do not seem to be particularly long lasting. Still again - thank you.

I have read with much interest the informative discussion raised following comments by 'Ziggy 1024' on the purposes and affects of 'Hybrid / Pwr' selections but I am more interested in seeking advice on the subject of using non - standard shock absorbers and ones that are not ride selectable. I bought my GS450H two years ago and it has just passed its tenth birthday; I am delighted with this car. However just after my original dealer warranty expired a new front shock absorber had to be fitted - ouch ! and at the last 'MOT' an advisory was raised that one of the rear shocks was 'misting'. I assume therefore a replacement will be due within the next ten months, prior to the next 'MOT'. I never select any other ' suspension/performance' mode though I have confirmed their serviceability during the original test drive with the dealer 26 months ago. I bought this car for its sublime 'magic carpet' ride and as I will not see my mid 70's again, I really have no wish to harden the suspension or change the gear ratios in the quest for more performance. Therefore I seek advice as follows; 1/ Has anyone experience of replacing the original selectable shocks with good quality, regular non adjustable shocks and if so, with which brand / model. The cost savings must be considerable. 2/ Would it be a requirement to change all four shocks to 'regular' examples or could one spread the load to say the fronts one year and the rears the next? 3/ Would this change cause warning lights to to be permanently displayed? 4/ I accept that disengaging the original adjustable shocks would militant against a possible easy sale of the car in the future but quite honestly I have no intention of selling in the foreseeable future and already the car is into its eleventh year so resale values are already quite low. The standard factory shocks seem to be a constant source of high expenditure such that one wonders if they are really up to the job with such a heavy car. I have looked also on the American version of this forum and the litany of complaints on this model's shock absorber makes for interesting reading. Comments would be welcome. Thank you.

Rather a late post to an established topic but having owned my 2010 GS 450h for exactly one year Iwas interested to read of other Lexus owner's views on 'Lexus Servicing'. My car on purchase was in mint condition with a full Lexus Service history coupled with all other supporting documentation. I took out a two year Service Plan to cover two MOT's and both one minor and one major service in order to continue with a full Lexus Service history. However my views on the soundness of this step are in doubt, not because of any problems with the car but with the professional performance of the operatives. The non Lexus dealer from whom I bought the car in September 2018 fitted two new tyres and performed a Major Lexus Service at a local Lexus Main Agent, immediately prior to sale. Having collected the car and reams of paperwork I discovered that oil to 5W30 spec. had been used in the refill. Now this oil is in direct contravention to the Owners Handbook which states '0W20' in all conditions. I queried this with the Service Manager who stated in an e mail that of course '0W20 had been used but that 'sometimes our office computer enters 5W30 by mistake' - make of that what you will - my words! I also questioned why the engine bay top surrounds / shrouds had been left unsecured - only three fixing studs were in place and five were missing. One shroud was held loosely in place by one partially effective stud. Manager's answer was that there was no imperative for Lexus Service to replace these studs after a major service but I could order a replacement set from 'Spares' and fit them myself; I have, so job now done. So within the first week of ownership I began to wonder about the quality of the much vaunted Lexus Service. Fast forward to the next service due September 2019, a minor service which has just been carried out but at a local Lexus Main Dealer closer to me. On collection I noted no entry for the type of oil used and when questioned I was told 5W30 had been used. I pointed out that the manual states clearly and unequivocally that '0W20' is to be used year round and the receptionist rather tartly responded that I was incorrect and 'we are the experts and '5W30' is what we use'. I subsequently e mailed twice the Service Manager but as yet, no reply. Now I will not be dragged into the merits or demerits of various oils as there is so much on this Forum. My view is that I wish to accept the manufacturers insistence of what oil is required. I returned home and following the purchase of 6.3 litres of 0W20, got down on my hands and knees and changed the oil. Expensive service with an additional £60 odd for the new oil on top of the not inconsiderable price of the 'Minor Service' to include fresh engine oil. Further, whilst scrabbling around under the car I have noted that the under car shrouds have been very badly fitted with barely half of the siding screws in situ. Indeed the centre panels were flapping around below the structure. Now these would not have needed removal for a Minor Service but clearly at some stage - Major Service ? - they would have been removed and as ALL SERVICES on this car have been carried out at Lexus Main Dealers one wonders just how these prices can be justified. My previous car. a Mercedes Benz was always maintained by an excellent independent Garage and the owner was aghast when I showed him the evidence of 'Lexus Servicing', Sadly he is very reluctant to take on a Hybrid Lexus and again, he cannot provide the all important (?) Lexus Stamp. So is Lexus Service a myth or just a provider of a comfortable waiting area and quite good coffee whilst awaiting attention to the car? I think the jury is still 'out' on that one.

Such helpful and rapid responses to my possibly rather dumb question but you have both given me exactly the answers I was seeking - many thanks.

Gentlemen - mindful the battery in my 2010 GS450h is the original fitting - date mark on battery casing clearly visible - and having tested the output - a little low - I have ordered a new battery before the winter really sets in . My query is the position of the 'Off' button whilst refitting. I have a standby pack using the OBD 'cannon' plug to provide power to the electrics whilst I remove the old battery but being new to this 'Electronic Wunderkind' I am uncertain as to the switch position - should I leave it 'off' / push once // push twice // remote key alongside or key out of range. I have lost count of the number of battery removals I have effected on older cars but this one is so very different.....

A request for 'pointers' as to where to start looking. It seems these were available some years ago but I have drawn a blank for a new one. My car is 2010 3rd. Gen 450h so I am rather surprised that all stock seems exhausted both in UK and Europe and even Australia! Some years ago I drove a Toyota and bought a new rubber boot liner very easily from Toyota Spares. It was an excellent quality accessory which fitted so tightly around the boot contours that almost no dust and dried mud could squeeze down the crack - there was no crack as the tenaciously tight fitting rubber lip saw to that. The car was 7 years old when I bought the liner so it is a little surprising that my 8 year old 450h is way too old for a new liner. I am now on my second liner which is again, a poor fit in the boot and allows dried mud and leaves to litter the black carpet below; I play golf hence my need for a closely fitting and semi rigid liner. I am reluctant to try yet another aftermarket Ebay offering as both of my liners have been selected on their cost base thinking that a real quality product would arrive. Sadly no. So I am looking to find an original used liner, in good condition from perhaps a crashed 450h. I have logged my name and interest with two or three used Lexus spares outlets on the internet but no luck. Does anyone have any ideas on how to proceed or have good experiences with second hand / used Lexus spares and from which outlet please.

Yes Normski I have come to the conclusion that an original liner, whether new or used, is unlikely to be sourced and I am resigned to 'dealing' with the the cheap and cheerful 'lash-up' that I have in the boot. The most tiresome element being the regular emptying of the boot and the removal of the liner so as to vacuum the dried mud and leaves that constantly drop from my golf bag. shoes and trolley and work themselves down between the bowed and distorted lip and the boot's side walls. Worse things have happened I suppose. However, thank you for your input.

Thank you XT5 for your research into past purchases and I have left a few 'feelers' out in case an original becomes available. Sad to relate that in my recent search for a late model GS 450h, I did spot an example on the internet which happened to have an original boot liner very much from the same mould - forgive the pun - as my Toyota but the car was not up to scratch and at that time, I had no idea that original liners were now like the Indian Rope Trick - every body has heard about it but no one has ever seen it! I have spent some time back on the internet trying to recall the advertisement just in case the car is still available - it isn't - and the dealer might have sold just the liner but no luck.

Thank you Cruisermark and yes seen and tried already ! Hopelessly thin PVC mix which is slightly smaller than the boot floor so with golf clubs and trolley on top it moves around very slightly causing the lip to distort against the boot sides thus allowing the lip to bend and 'open up'. Really not very satisfactory in my view but not sufficient to return to supplier as there is no claim that the liner is made with sufficiently sturdy and robust materials that will resist movement and flexing. The price mitigates against further action as I am sure the heavy and tightly fitting original in thick, robust rubber would have fitted like a glove thus resistant to any movement and distortion. Naturally the prices asked when new will be all the evidence one needs of a thoughtfully and robustly engineered product as my Toyota liner most certainly was. Nonetheless I thank you for your help.

2010 GS 450h new owner looking for an original liner, in a serviceable condition. Please gentlemen, no offers of aftermarket offerings - I am already on my second with much dismay. Thanks

A request for 'pointers' as to where to start looking. It seems these were available some years ago but I have drawn a blank for a new one. My car is 2010 3rd. Gen 450h so I am rather surprised that all stock seems exhausted both in UK and Europe and even Australia! Some years ago I drove a Toyota and bought a new rubber boot liner very easily from Toyota Spares. It was an excellent quality accessory which fitted so tightly around the boot contours that almost no dust and dried mud could squeeze down the crack - there was no crack as the tenaciously tight fitting rubber lip saw to that. The car was 7 years old when I bought the liner so it is a little surprising that my 8 year old 450h is way too old for a new liner. I am now on my second liner which is again, a poor fit in the boot and allows dried mud and leaves to litter the black carpet below; I play golf hence my need for a closely fitting and semi rigid liner. I am reluctant to try yet another aftermarket Ebay offering as both of my liners have been selected on their cost base thinking that a real quality product would arrive. Sadly no. So I am looking to find an original used liner, in good condition from perhaps a crashed 450h. I have logged my name and interest with two or three used Lexus spares outlets on the internet but no luck. Does anyone have any ideas on how to proceed or have good experiences with second hand / used Lexus spares and from which outlet please.

To add a further query, does any one have personal experience of 'ToyoTec' at Redhill, Surrey? I live SW London and would be pleased to locate a well regarded independent Lexus trained engineer not too far from me. I saw this company on the internet but I always prefer to listen to other peoples' views before hand. Thanks for any pointers.

Rather a late vote of thanks to Chris111 for this last post as I missed the issuance. All good 'gen' and I have again noted the content. At present and despite my 'OT' I have decided to sit on my hands for a few months as whatever changes I make, I will be disposing of a very new set of tyres with, on the rears less than 2.5K. It is quite surprising how quickly the bills add up when one is contemplating significant wheel/tyre changes and as my wife claims she finds the car as quiet and smooth as the Benz which preceded it, I wonder if I am not chasing my own tail and as she has suggested we just turn up the radio volume slightly to mask the road roar...... well what can I say/

Thank you John for your prompt reply. It did cross my mind that the cig. lighter power was dependent on accessory / ready mode and you have kindly answered the question. My earlier point now becomes more pressing in that the data link / cannon plug or whatever Lexus call it, is surely powered the whole time and would therefore suit the memory saver device provided I can locate same and identify what cannon plug I require to be connected to the memory saver. I note your comments about the relative ease in reinstatement in the event power is interrupted for battery change but as the truly 'monster' owners' handbook covers so little of owner/user tips and guidance, I will have to reinstate services based on what I can find on the internet and 'U tube'.

Having read the wealth of helpful advice on 12 volt batteries I now now rather embarrassed to have to ask where the electrical 'cannon plug' is sited in a 2010 GS450h that allows me to connect a memory saver device to enable me to replace the 12 volt battery without losing any codes. I have the 'Owners Manual' to hand so perhaps someone could just indicate the page no. or at least tell me the 'Lexus Jargon' that will allow me to check the index. What is the plug -in fitting called? I have to hand a memory saver that I used on previous cars with a simple plug that fits into the cigarette lighter socket, the other end connected to a 12 volt power pack thus providing a constant and steady 12 volt power source whilst I replace the battery. Will this be a suitable solution for my car please ? I am only looking at a very short term 12 volt supply to change the battery and not a constant supply whilst I carry out major reconstruction work. I have just discovered that my 'new to me' 450h has the original fit battery and reading of the perils of hanging on to a battery until it is 'really dead' ..... I feel a new battery fitted before the winter begins would be money well spent and a suitable battery can be sourced and fitted without the need to spend £400 plus to have a main dealer do what is a simple job.