"Jorge Fonyat" wrote
> I run just 3,000 miles/year and feel
> VERY discomfortable in changing almost new synthec every 12 months.
> Jorge (A4 1996 2.8 12V)

12 months in service is not new by any means, IMO. Oxidation takes
place while the oil is in the engine, whether you use it or not. If you
do mostly short trips, vapor condensation may also be present.

If you only do 3K miles a year, you might consider switching to a less
expensive mineral or synthetic-blend oil to save money, but I'd still
change it at least once a year.

Cheers,

Pete