Just bought an 08. First definately read owners manual. Seems like it would be a waste but I learned important tips by reading it. 500 miles is the official breakin period. Do not do any full throttle starts, do not exceed 4000 rpms, do not stay at same speed very long. Book even says just do posted speed limits. Now as far as oil change , I wondered same thing so called viper tech and he said was not necessary on the viper engine because they are prerun before even being put in vehicle. So use your own discretion. Book doesnt say to do it which corresponded with what tech said so I just left it alone. If you intend on letting Dodge change your oil, I bought prepaid oil changes. Normal cost is about 150 bucks for Viper. Prepaid came to 51 bucks per change-includes oil,filter,lube,parts and labor. I bought 2 changes per year assuming 6000 miles per year for 7 years-mine is not a daily driver, and that was 715 bucks. Down side is that they will expire in 7 years so... Well hope some of this helps. I just recently passed 500 miles, and love to spin tires and get into 6th gear.