New to Robotics - getting started?

If you can find an old RC electric car anywhere (yard sale or thrift store) you can probably connect the Arduino in place of the RC receiver and re-use the motor drivers, motors, wheels, etc. I've found that RC cars often sell for $4 at thrift stores like Savers.

If you want commercial parts you can get the chassis, motors, and wheels for $30 from http://www.robotshop.com/dagu-mr-basic-mobile-robotic-platform-2.html You will need a motor driver shield to drive the motors. For $36 you can get a plastic chassis with four separate motors: http://sumaoutlet.com/1pcs-4wd-robot-smart-car-chassis-kits-arduino-car-with-speed-enc-p-3709.html Many other choices if you look around the RobotShop site.