This is the sweet spot for finding cheap G3s.

[Baby Sugarberry]

G3 prices are unlikely to ever hit those of G1's over the course of our lifetimes.
The simple reality is that My Little Pony was not a collectible in the 80's.  It was a children's toy, nothing more, and the number of collectors (keeping MIB ponies) was extremely small.  By the time G3 rolled around there was a huge collector base by comparison, and pretty much anyone who wanted to get boxed G3's did so, new from the store.  Many people also bought multiples to speculate the future market or for customs.

[Elisto]

I actually saw thrift store G3s peak a few years ago around here. Now, I still find them every time I go, but it's only usually one or two each time, and I see a lot of the same. Two years ago, I would find bags and bags of them every time. Mostly avoided buying them though because I don't need to spend the money, and because they started to disappear right at the time I thought I might start buying them. While it's possible their value will go up as more kids who had them grow up, I'm not really counting on it precisely because so many people right now are keeping them "just in case."

[HollowZero]

Man, don't tell me this! I'll raid every thrift store within 5 miles.

I've just recently gotten back to the Arena and was surprised so many G3s were so cheap...I guess this is partially why.

[scarletjul]

I actually saw thrift store G3s peak a few years ago around here. Now, I still find them every time I go, but it's only usually one or two each time, and I see a lot of the same. Two years ago, I would find bags and bags of them every time. Mostly avoided buying them though because I don't need to spend the money, and because they started to disappear right at the time I thought I might start buying them. While it's possible their value will go up as more kids who had them grow up, I'm not really counting on it precisely because so many people right now are keeping them "just in case."

Same here, although I did tend to buy them at the time because I was a new pony collector and I just wanted any pony I could find at the time.    Now I have tons of g3s that I'm still going through and selling and I don't always find ponies (of any gen) at the thrift stores - sometimes I come back empty handed.