2015 Yaris L vs 2018 Yaris IA base Questions & cruise control question

[zsinj82]

Hi,

New to the forum. I just got a 2015 Yaris L hatchback from carvana. But I am within the 7 day trial period so I was also looking at a 2018 Yaris IA base.

I've been scouring reviews for days but thought you folks might have some answers for me too.

The 2015 Yaris L automatic hatchback has 46,000 miles but had a battery issue (which carvana is going to replace) I noticed the day before it's battery died that at 29-30MPG there seemed like a small shifting issue. Almost like it was switching gears repeatedly. Could the shifting be caused by a low battery? I saw mixed answers on this question online.

The 2018 Yaris IA base automatic has about 30,000 miles. I haven't test driven it since its from carvana and I would need to trade in the 2015 first.

I know the 2018 is obviously newer, but are there any issues that have occurred on 2015 models vs 2018 models? I understand the 2018 is built by Mazda? I know Mazda has crept up in reliability but haven't they had transmission problems for years? And the 2015 was built in France by Toyota? The price difference in the cars is negligible and not a concern. I'm worried about maintenance and foreseeable problems with either car.

If anyone could help with answering any of my questions I would greatly appreciate it!

And one more question for the road... Has anyone tried to install a cruise control knob in their any year Yaris? I saw some youtube videos which seemed promising but I wasn't sure if I should splurge and just save myself the hassle and have a professional install it.


Thanks for your time everyone!