Seeing as you mentioned you are a very methodical person and naturally tend to be an alert driver I think you'll be just fine. I don't know how long you've been here in miami but I would be worried about other drivers hitting you. the drivers down here are terrible!

 

Make sure you slap a good set of rubber on all four corners

#1 priority

 

I moved from a Jeep Wrangler with 110HP at the flywheel, and it probably weighed 1000# more than my S2K, while my S2K produces twice the HP at the wheels. The only thing I have to watch is when the road is wet, I needn't put too much throttle down, as it is VERY easy for me to spin the tires. It's probably due in part to my inexperience with sports cars, as well as my tires not being that great. I get more used to it every day, and the only thing I start wishing is that it had more low end power or at least more torque, but I usually forget that when I hit VTEC

 

it doesnt matter where and when you shift or how cautious of a driver you are. when a ford f-250 cuts you off on the highway there is not type of cautious driving that will save you from a spin of collision with the other car. the most cautious driver will still crash if not prepared in a panic situation. its too late to be cautious when the tail end comes swinging around after that ford just cut you off. only thing that would help is VSA (you already stated that youre getting an ap1, so no VSA for you) or AUTOCROSS experience.
even if you plan to never come near the limit of the S, AUTOCROSS is a must. i have personally been in several emergency situations on the highway and each time i came out unscathed because AUTOCROSS practice kept me calm in knowing how the car reacts at the limit and how to keep it straight and on the road.
at an average price of $35, AUTOCROSSING to better your driving is a must for ANYONE reguardless of the type of vehicle they drive or driving style.

 

I put all my money into the driver

 

I've found the car to have great passive safety features. Probably just not drive beside big trucks and you'll be fine.

 

You will be fine. Miami, not that many decreasing radius corners or black ice that have been mentioned (not that it would be inappriate car for you if you lived elsewhere, just different cautions).

The S is the kind of car that can make you a better driver. It rewards good driving, and is very satisfying to drive well. Its easy to heel & toe, it handles phenominally.

+1 on 2006+ (VSA). Plus you can switch it off when you want. But if you can't afford that new, don't worry about. YOU WILL BE FINE. The biggest thing is not to be stupid, and it sounds like you got that covered.

 

Anyone who has a licence can drive this car. No different than any other stick shift. If you have yet to drive a stick shift car, spend a couple of hours on an empty tarmac and teach yourself. No reading or math or any other skills required besides some simple cordination between your right hand and left foot which can be mastered in a very short time assuming you have succussfully mastered walking skills.

 

That and PAY ATTENTION to what the car is telling you. I've found that the S2000 has pretty good road feel and is very prompt to signal its intention to oversteer. You can feel it getting a bit light and this is when you want to be careful not to make any sudden movements.

 

I taught myself to drive a manual in an old Datsun 510 with worn syncros. It only took a few hours and it isn't really that difficult to learn if you are motivated. My wife, on the other hand, I've taken out at least 4 times to try to teach how to drive a manual and she never seems to get it. I think that she just doesn't want to.

The upside is that I know where my S2k will be at all times.