I got to go with Grizz on this one, big time.
I got my treadmill for free. Someone thought it was broken, but there was just a plug that had come loose. 104 listings for treadmill in San Diego craigslist.
I got my rower for $44 at a second hand sports store -- it would have been less at a garage sale.
Both of these work great, and have been used regularly for the 4-10 years I've had them. They are comfortable, and give a me a fine workout.
Are you absolutely sure you're going to keep up with the exercise? Perhaps you could spend $100 at a garage sale for a treadmill, and use it for a year to make sure you're committed. There's a buyer's market for used exercise equipment, since most people only use it for a while.