You are beginning to sound like a careless breeder (as in, "a breeder who could not care less"), with such a statement!
I'm sorry if I sounds that way. I feel the fact that I am doing the research that I am and trying to gain input and SUPPORT from those with more knowledge and experience shows that I do in fact care and am trying to make a responsible decision.
I know it's hard because I'm trying to find a puppy for my parents. However, price has no cooralation to the quality of the puppy. $3000 is a lot for a puppy but so is $2000 for an MRI another $2500 for surgery, another $2000 for MRI, cost of medicine each month, and I can easily say in Ella's 5 years I spent well over $8000 for just her SM which is nothing compared to the emotions of seeing her suffer.
I have seen cavalier puppies advertised for that much and I know they are from a BYB and maybe even not registered but they are "top quality". I really don't think those who do necessary tests cost any more, they do the tests for the love of the breed.
I know you want a puppy now but this new addition will hopefully be with you for 12-14 or so years. I am not saying that even if I end up finding a puppy for my parents that have done everything health test imaginable, it means there will not be a possibility of the puppy developing a health condition. There is that risk with every breed/mix rescue and is a part of owning a dog. Cavaliers do have some health issues that you will want to find a breeder that is trying to reduce the risk by any known ways protocols.
I really do wish you luck and not trying to be harsh, but I just want to stress that buying a puppy is very exciting but its also a big responsibility. In my eyes, Cavaliers are the best breed there is and I hope to always have them in my life. You will not find anyone on this board that will say that a parent under the age of 2 is ok.
Please take your time because I know there is a right puppy out there.