I've never had an issue with my 3k series machines not cutting well. If you set the deck up properly they will give an awesome looking cut.
I purchased a new Scag Turf Tiger 2 this year with a 37 HP fuel injected Vanguard to do my mowing with. They say that a Scag with a Velocity deck gives the best cut in the industry. Here is the cut it gives my front yard with Centipede grass.
IMG_9002.jpg
Here is the cut that my 3205 with a model 289 54" deck gives.
IMG_1916.jpg
Needless to say, I still mow my front yard with my 22 year old Cub.
I've looked at used XT3's but they were still priced too high and I don't like a deck that doesn't stripe so I'll stick with the lower priced used 3k machines.
A lot of owners like the XT3's over on the MTF site.