For 3000 you can get a better game than the ones listed above. My advice is stick with a Bally or Williams. They are typically better quality, gameplay and easier to sell. Every machine that I own I didn't play much before purchasing them. Use the rankings and values on this site as a guideline to value and gameplay. Depending on location price may vary. Check archived comps on this site and compare those listings to games you look at. Don't forget that mods and condition can change the value quite a bit.

I tend to try and find any games in my price range that come up on Craigslist and watch youtube videos to see if I'm interested. It might take a year or so to find the game you want. I'm way too impatient to wait that long so I only consider what's available when it comes up. Based on the games that you are mentioning theme seems to be a big selling point. With that in mind T2, Demolition Man, and Judge Dredd can be had at around 2300 and listings for all three come up often. I would also include Bram Stoker's Dracula, but its a tough game, might be too chalenging for a noob and will run closer to 3000. Other good options are No Good Gofers (probably run a couple hundred above 3000), Indy 500, Fish Tales, The Shadow (This is the one I would buy in your price range, but it's hard to find), The Getaway (I own this game. Guests love it. Great flow and speed), Whirlwind (I own this one also and love it. Its a system 11 so no dmd. Doesn't look as modern). I've always been very intrigued with Last Action Hero. That can be had under $2000 and I've heard great things about it. If you go to $4000 you should be able to get a newer Stern. I just picked up a lightly routed Kiss Pro in great shape for $3800.

Anyone else looking to get rid of a Metallica pro around 3k?

$1400 for a JD? Would need to be in pretty rough shape to find that kind of deal.

OP - Good choice. If you're willing to spend 3k you might as well spend an extra $1500 for a newer HUO stern. Especially if you have no experience fixing machines.

Yep, just don't tell your wife how much you spent. She will certainly disagree.