Paddle shifter question

[Apex]

Can a vehicle equipped with a paddle shifter still be driven in fully automatic mode, that is, without using the paddle shifter?

[Craig.]

Most of the time yes. You'll need to post what cars your looking at though.
to be honest dont expect much from a paddle shift gearbox in anything lower than a bmw/merc level car. I've tried a couple, and they were dreadful. Also ask what type of gearbox they are using, if its a CVT the paddles are purely there for the driver to play with, they do very little.
I also found you have little control over the actual change times, and with your family affordable gearboxes, it can take a good second or two from you pulling the paddle to it actually thinking, yes I will change gear lol.

[Apex]

Thanks, Craig, that's very helpful.

[Craig.]

Honda's usually in this country have a fully auto option with their paddle shifts. you also get the rally style push pull gear stick change.

[specter177]

Most have a switch that changes it between automatic and select shift.