`04 or `05 Taurus Maintenance?

I'm thinking about getting a late model (`04 - `05) Taurus with the 24 valve Duratec engine. I like to do as much engine maintenance as I can so I'm trying to find out what I might be getting into. How difficult is it to change the oil & filter, air filter, sparkplugs and to do any other types of maintenance?

The hardest thing you will come across on that list is the spark plugs - dual cams in a small engine bay like the Taurus don't give alot of space. It may just take a little extra effort.

The weakpoint in our cars is the transaxle. The Duratec comes with the Ax4n transmission, a better one, but it would still be a good idea to get a fluid flush. That is what I would be most worried about.