Buy Your Food Truck

Food Trucks For Sale — Everything You Need to Know Before You Buy

Buying a food truck is one of the most important investments you will make as a mobile food entrepreneur. At MWO Food Trucks, we have been helping buyers find the right truck since 2012 — from first-time operators launching a single unit to experienced restaurateurs expanding their fleet. Every truck in our inventory is fully inspected, photographed, and priced transparently so you can make a confident decision.

The food truck industry in the United States generates over $2 billion in annual revenue and continues to grow year over year. Starting a food truck business costs significantly less than opening a brick-and-mortar restaurant, making it the preferred entry point for chefs, caterers, and entrepreneurs who want to own their schedule and bring their concept directly to customers.

How Much Does a Food Truck Cost?

The cost of a food truck depends heavily on whether you buy new or used, the size of the vehicle, and the level of kitchen equipment already installed.

• Used food trucks: $20,000 – $80,000 depending on age, mileage, and kitchen build-out
• New custom builds: $75,000 – $175,000 for a fully equipped, brand-new unit
• Converted step-vans: $30,000 – $100,000, the most common entry-level option
• Concession trailers: $15,000 – $60,000, ideal for events and festivals

Beyond the purchase price, budget for permits and licenses ($500–$3,000), health department compliance, commercial kitchen insurance, commissary fees, and initial food inventory. A realistic all-in startup budget for most markets is $50,000 – $150,000.

What to Look For When Buying a Used Food Truck

Used food trucks offer excellent value when purchased correctly. Before you sign anything, every serious buyer should verify the following:

1. Vehicle title and history — Confirm clean title, no liens, and check VIN history via Carfax or NMVTIS.
2. Engine and drivetrain — A pre-purchase inspection by a diesel or commercial vehicle mechanic is non-negotiable. Repair costs on a commercial vehicle are significant.
3. Generator or shore power — Inspect the onboard generator hours, fuel system, and output capacity against your equipment load requirements.
4. Kitchen equipment condition — Test every piece of equipment: fryers, griddles, refrigeration, ventilation hood, fire suppression system, and sinks.
5. Health department compliance — Every city and county has different rules. A truck that passed inspection in one state may need modifications in another.
6. Propane and plumbing — Check for gas leaks, water pump condition, fresh water tank size, and grey water holding capacity.

Food Trucks For Sale by City

MWO Food Trucks ships to all 50 states and maintains inventory ready to deliver to major markets across the country. Whether you are buying a food truck in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, Miami, or Austin, we coordinate delivery directly to your location.

Browse all 40 cities we serve →

Frequently Asked Questions