new_berlin

Basically the 12v battery in the hs is old but working fine. I was tending to keep going until the vehicle gives me a sign to replace. That said these batteries have to be procured from a dealer not the nearby neighborhood store. So Im thnking whether i should buy one and store it. If i end up not needing it lets say for a couple more years, would the purchase be a waste?

Magellan55

why do you need to buy it now? Is the dealership that far away? If so, a Toyota dealer might be able to get it for you quickly. They are ~$250, so not something I would want to waste if you don't need it or if it has a shelf life uncharged.

Clutchless

When it is time for a new 12v battery, you want a fresh one that has only been on the shelf a few months at most. Not one that has been in storage for years and has lost much of its charge and wasted its warranty sitting on a shelf. Then you should ideally charge it up every few months to keep it healthy. Waste of time and money. Wait until yours dies.

I recently replaced mine after I killed it leaving lights on all night. It was the original.
I called 2 local Toyota dealers and the Lexus dealer to price shop. All had them in stock. The Lexus dealer was cheapest, which was a big surprise. They did not want the old battery as there is no core charge.

new_berlin

Thank you both! I was just worried that the battery may not be readily in stock and may have to be ordered since the car is no longer supported. Also with the current situation with lockdown etc, i was wondering whether to be proactive. But yes if the battery will deteriorate sitting on a shelf, I don't want to go that route.

A basic question: Can I assume that this car will run fine (with a dead 12v battery) if jump-started?

Clutchless

This battery is also used in the Avalon hybrid, so it is readily available.
Yes, I jump-started my HS, but I have a battery charger that also can start your car. I then drove it to the Lexus dealer and swapped batteries in the parking lot.
Take a 10mm wrench with you for the battery posts and an adjustable wrench in case there are other sizes. And a 12mm just in case. The battery is in the trunk, on the right side behind the back wall in the rear of the seat. That is why there is a vent on the rear passenger seat. You have to pull some of the trunk liner away, just grab and pull.