Out of interest, how come you didn't like your 996 911?
had a 911 (2004 - 996) Anniversary with 350 bhp upgrade etc etc - it just felt too bouncy and fragile - too fussy - I did 22,000 miles in 8 months in it, and then finally sold it.
The day after it went - it blew up!
Luckily (for the buyer) we had OPC Warranty and they sorted it - we were glad to help.
This Spyder, however is sooooooooo nice to drive and with the PDK and paddles - its just bloody mental!
I LOVE IT
As for the roof - its not really faf - thats the price you pay for driving such a sexy/exclusive and bloody fast car IMHO - if you want to be cosseted and bathed in total luxury experience - buy something else - but if you just want fun fun fun and are prepared for the 2 min of faffing with the roof (which will be permanently down once we get drier weather) - then it is a blast.
Having had soft tops for over 13 years - to me its no faf.
It our daily drive (apart from the bike) so we will learn to live with the hardship!
khushy