It can be a pain to try to find cheap gym equipment that is even worth a discounted price. Most often the cheapest pieces of gym equipment you can find are used and probably need maintenance. Brand new equipment, especially those that are worth the money you put towards them, is rarely ever cheap. Whenever you come across a machine or some equipment that is at a good price and it has not been used excessively, you would do well to snatch it up.
You can get decent cheap gym equipment straight from gyms themselves if you are lucky. They may be used, but they will definitely be of good quality. Some gyms might be willing to sell some of their equipment to you if they are getting ready to restock. This can land you a great price, but timing is everything. You can ask when they will be upgrading if they are not intending to do so now, and you can ask if they will be willing to sell them to you then. This can be one of the most effective ways to get your hands on affordable equipment.