Hi,

My KJ2 has almost 185,000km on it.
I have checked the shocks and they are the OEM Monroe range.

They feel fairly tight, and from doing the bounce test (pressing down on the car, or coming to an abrupt stop without letting go of the brakes at the end) it doesn't oscillate so at least they seem like in good enough condition.

I am wondering whether they are the original ones with 185K on them, or if they have likely been replaced.

What I am asking is, how much do OEM shocks cost (ie, is it realistic the previous owner had them replaced or are they overly expensive compared to aftermarket) and is it possible that original shocks with 185K feel fairly "tight" without bounce etc?

They would be originals.
Shocks start to wear as soon as you start to use a new car.
Unless they loose hydraulic fluid, they won't go soft and sloppy, rather, they tend to increase internal friction so that you feel small bumps and road ripples more.
At 185,000 km the originals would still be working properly, just not very responsively.
Drive a new car and feel the difference. lol

Yes I have new cars as well and the Verada definitely feels old in comparison, but I am sure that is a combination of things.

So your opinion is they are likely the original shock absorbers?
I do notice that the car isn't so supple over the smaller bumps/ripples compared to the bigger ones.
Also bumps at highway speeds seem to upset the car the most (ie, feels most floaty over them)

You've done well if the shocks haven't leaked/died in that time. I've personally gone through the original springs/shocks at 120k, then replaced the replacements after another 100k. Springs definitely loose their bounce. If you're up to it, it's not a huge job to check the shocks. Still takes time, but not too painful.