Quoted from zaki:World poker tour would be a good buy in the $3,000's
+1.
I would also add in WCS (World Cup Soccer 94). It will be on the high end of OP' budget, but is a heck of a game, and undevalued for what it is.
Edit: And how could I forget... ROLLERGAMES (RG). Suuuuper fun game. I personally love the cheesetastic theme, and the price is relatively low because many others don't feel the same way.