Jaylee

1 hour ago, Jaylee said:

Thank you Roy  I checked that its in Normal mode. Bought the 450h because its an affordable alternative (for me) to my 2003 XJ6 running on LPG. Lot of outlets have closed just recently and autogas price has hiked to around £0.80;   I ran diesel cars since 1972 (yes I was a pioneer!) as it was considered cleaner, until the particulate  issue became a  hot potato for an eco worrier (mis-spelling deliberate!) like me. Since  2001, I've run a succession  of  LPG cars including an Austin Montego (awful car! -  carried gaffa tape with me because occasional back-fire exploded the air cleaner!) an XJS, Mercedes 300 32v, XJ8 and the '03 XJ6. Surveying the available Lexus hybrid models, my heart said mmmmm LS 600h  but my eco head said no!  When Europeans went the Diesel route the Japanese went hybrid, and I think its turned out to be the more prescient move. Ideally I would have an estate car but the only hybrid to my knowledge (I'm not in the Panamera wealth class) is the Auris. Aside form being only 4 cylinder 1.8 litre, I don't want to upset  anyone but I think they are so ugly - the fussy styling is - well, vulgar I M O! 

Old Trout suggested are they original tyres,  which seems possible: in answer to serbarry, this one bought in North  London from an independent,-  rather weird history, having had no record of any road use until 5 years after purchase in 2008, and having only covered 18k miles from 2013 until now. - which is backed up by service stamps and MOT history on DVLA website.  I could have been had I suppose , the paint has a few scratches, but the interior is immaculate/spotless, so who knows?!  I thought £7850 a good deal for a 18k miler.  My only faux pas was to assume I could carry my bike on a tow hitch rack,  but now read that Witter don't do a tow bar for the 450h and recommend against it even for a bike rack.

Malc says are the tyres under inflated- which is interesting but counter-intuitive? (wouldn't  that make for a softer ride?)

I'd like to thank all you responders for your attention. including Steve Mossy for his kind offer.   I will make the tyre checks tomorrow.

PS oops must've been 24 valve mustn't it

7 hours ago, royoftherovers said:

Welcome James. Good to have you in Membership.

Have you/ is it/ set to Sport mode as that would introduce a firm ride ?

Have you read the Handbook for your (new to you) car ?

When you get the time please tell us why you bought a Lexus and the GS 450h in particular and send a  photo or two.

Thank you Roy  I checked that its in Normal mode. Bought the 450h because its an affordable alternative (for me) to my 2003 XJ6 running on LPG. Lot of outlets have closed just recently and autogas price has hiked to around £0.80;   I ran diesel cars since 1972 (yes I was a pioneer!) as it was considered cleaner, until the particulate  issue became a  hot potato for an eco worrier (mis-spelling deliberate!) like me. Since  2001, I've run a succession  of  LPG cars including an Austin Montego (awful car! -  carried gaffa tape with me because occasional back-fire exploded the air cleaner!) an XJS, Mercedes 300 32v, XJ8 and the '03 XJ6. Surveying the available Lexus hybrid models, my heart said mmmmm LS 600h  but my eco head said no!  When Europeans went the Diesel route the Japanese went hybrid, and I think its turned out to be the more prescient move. Ideally I would have an estate car but the only hybrid to my knowledge (I'm not in the Panamera wealth class) is the Auris. Aside form being only 4 cylinder 1.8 litre, I don't want to upset  anyone but I think they are so ugly - the fussy styling is - well, vulgar I M O! 

Old Trout suggested are they original tyres,  which seems possible: in answer to serbarry, this one bought in North  London from an independent,-  rather weird history, having had no record of any road use until 5 years after purchase in 2008, and having only covered 18k miles from 2013 until now. - which is backed up by service stamps and MOT history on DVLA website.  I could have been had I suppose , the paint has a few scratches, but the interior is immaculate/spotless, so who knows?!  I thought £7850 a good deal for a 18k miler.  My only faux pas was to assume I could carry my bike on a tow hitch rack,  but now read that Witter don't do a tow bar for the 450h and recommend against it even for a bike rack.

Malc says are the tyres under inflated- which is interesting but counter-intuitive? (wouldn't  that make for a softer ride?)

I'd like to thank all you responders for your attention. including Steve Mossy for his kind offer.   I will make the tyre checks tomorrow.

Hello

Have just bought a GS450h  (2008) with very low mileage.

Getting used to the car, the experience is good but I can't get over the hard ride. This is in Normal, not Sport mode- frankly its awful! I feel every jolt and bump quirk in the road.

Could there be something wrong with the suspension?  Does it need pumping up or something? Ring a bell with anybody?