Robots (Physical Ones)

So /proggles/, lately I've been getting into building robots and remotely operated vehicles, and I have a problem.

I just can't fucking hardware. I'd consider myself a pretty witty/competent programmer, but I've never really done a project where I need to figure out how to power and operate motors (or even what sort of motors to purchase).

I know I can use an Arduino or something similar for microcontrolling, that's not an issue, but do any of you guys build robots/remotely operated vehicles? If so, are you aware of any guides to hardware that you can share?

>>1
You can take apart a cheap RC car for motors. Depending on what you're intending to do, you could have to buy RC servos. Arduino is indeed expensive, get a $13 diavolino or a TI MSP430 launchpad for less than $5.