General Motors enthusiast site GMInsidenews.com is reporting the 2013 Chevrolet Volt will get some changes to its EV mode functions and appearance for the new model year. Coming from a source that claims to have seen the advanced ordering guide for 2013 models, also indicates that while the changes to the 2013 model are modest, more extensive changes are coming for the 2014 model year.

The main changes in store for the 2013 model are a body-colored roof panel and rear hatch trim, as opposed to black on the current car, regardless of exterior paint color. In addition, a new EV hold mode allows drivers to drive their cars with the internal-combustion range extender running, retaining all-electric power for urban areas, or the last part of their commute. Although similar to the current “mountain mode” offered in the Volt, the new mode differs in that it will keep the battery at its full charge, as opposed the the current approximately 40 percent charge that mountain mode will charge to. The EV hold feature is currently offered in the Volt’s European sibling, the Opel Ampera.

The 2013 Volt will also reportedly get the optional MyLink system on models equipped with the navigation system, and available lane departure warning and forward collision alert.

Source: GMInsidenews

We may not all be getting tax refunds this year, but according to CNN Money, the average American household will be getting $2913 back. Depending on if you’re part of the 99 Percent or the 1 Percent, that’s either a whole lot of scratch, or a dinner out with your executive buddies. It could buy you a variety of well-used cars, or an even greater variety of parts, accessories and repairs.

Searching the area classifieds, we found a variety of vehicles for $3000, including a Volkswagen Rabbit Cabriolet, a Mercury Villager minivan, a 1995 Ford Explorer, and even a 1993 Mercedes-Benz 400E. Most of them with well over 100,000 miles.

If you’re shopping for accessories, you can get a lot more for $3000. Like a decent set of (actual) wheels and tires, performance springs and shocks, a tonneau cover or shell for your truck,  and a performance intake and exhaust. Individually, all these items are generally well under $3000. But a tax time makeover consisting of two or three items may run you close to the $3k mark.

According to an eBay Motors poll, nearly one-third of Americans plan to spend their refund on an automotive-related expenditure, from maintenance and repairs, to buying a car, or wheels and tires, or cleaning and detailing.

Depending how skilled you are at navigating the byzantine U.S. tax code, or how good of a tax preparer you have, you may or may not be getting a refund this year. But if you did receive a refund close to the national average of approximately $3000, what automotive-related expenditure would you spend it on?

Source: eBay Motors, CNN Money