just got a 2010 Prius - need advice

Any idea if the EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) system's been cleaned? Assuming not, I would get on that ASAP. Start by inspection the pipe between EGR valve and intake manifold:

Just to get some idea of overall condition.

See first two links in my signature for more EGR cleaning info (on a phone turn it landscape to see signatures).

Optimum cleaning (my opinion) would be every 50k miles. Even by that mileage the EGR cooler is carbon-coated enough to reduce cooling efficacy, and the overall system is clogged sufficient to hinder the EGR valve operation and unevenly starve cylinders of exhaust gas, starting at the cylinder one end.

3rd Gen Prius, particularly with neglected EGR system (clogged with carbon) tend to blow head gaskets, around the miles yours has. Unscrupulous owners will dump in a stop-leak product and put it up for sale.

 

I would hate to give you this news but a 2010 is one of the worst years you can buy for a 3rd Gen car. Depending on the service history, there are 3 major failures that can (and will) happen on this car (especially after 150k miles and over 10 years old)

1. HV battery failure
2. Brake pump failure
3. Head gasket failure.

Even if those 3 expensive items have been addressed, there could be some other issues with the car (especially oil burning). So get that car checked out ASAP and do whatever maintenance you need before sending your kid off with this car.

 

just got a 2010 Prius - need advice

Sell the Prius and get a Corolla?

Failing that:

Buy the kid about $100 worth of hand tools and consider a AAA membership.
Get the car inspection that you didn’t mention above.
+1 on the EGR!!
Read 25 threads on this forum that have Head Gasket in the title and familiarize yourself with the Prius Death Rattle.

 

you can do a battery health check with the dr. prius app, but idk how helpful it is. no point to replacing the battery before it's necessary