Are you quoting in US dollars or Can?
In all honesty, $3000.00 is a lot of money, but you will not find something comfortable, energy efficient and therapeutic at that price in a hot tub.
My suggestion would be a jetted bathtub or save up for a year or two and get something you'll be happy with long-term. Can you put that money down and finance the rest at a good interest rate? Your payments would be very affordable and you'll be far happier.
There are cheaper tubs on the market but without trying to sound like a snoot, a quality spa will not only offer you the things I mentioned previously, but the headaches that come with cheap products aren't worth the cost in most cases.
Maybe someone can shed some light on a decent deal for you. What is your location? I truly hope you get something that offer's your wife a form of therapy and quality of life.
Steve