I have never even handled a T3, but I DO own 2 Whitetail Hunters - one in .243 and the other in .25-06, and I LOVE THEM.
Let me answer your question this way - I too am looking to buy a Tikka in .308 - specifically a Stainless Synthetic model - I am looking only at the Whitetail Hunter - NOT the T3.
Gunfinder.net has Tikka Stainess Synthetics in .300 and 7mm Rem Mag for $483 which is right at wholesale, if not a bit below. Problem is, I already have 2 .300s and 1 .338. Although I have a .308, it is the Remington VS SF, meaning that it like the Sendero Stainless Fluted - BIG AND HEAVY.
If I could find a NIB Tikka Stainless Synthetic for $483, then I would buy it in a heart beat.
Zachary