Buying a Food Truck: How & Where To Buy a Food Truck

Are you in the market for a food truck? If so, where do you begin your search? Buying a food truck requires research and there are several factors to consider before making your purchase. In this article, we will discuss where to buy a food truck, how to finance a food truck and what to look for when purchasing a food truck. So, whether you are new to the food truck business or just looking for more information, read on for some helpful tips!

 

New or Used Food Truck?

When it comes to purchasing a food truck, one of the first decisions you’ll need to make is whether to buy a new or used truck. Here are some pros and cons of each.

New Food Trucks

– Professional appearance that will attract customers

– Increased reliability as they have not yet been used in the field 

– Includes a warranty from the manufacturer

– A new food truck can cost anywhere from $25,000 to $150,000

Used Food Trucks

– More affordable option

– Often come customized with features that appeal to your target market

– May have more wear and tear than a new truck, which could impact its longevity

– A used food truck can cost anywhere from $10,000 to $75,000

These are simply estimates and the actual price will vary depending on the make and model of the truck, as well as any customizations you may want. Each option has its merits, depending on your goals.

 

Buy or Lease a Food Truck?

Another decision you’ll need to make is whether to buy or lease a food truck. Here are some pros and cons of each.

Buy a Food Truck

– You own the truck and can do with it what you want 

– You may be able to write off the purchase price as a business expense

Lease a Food Truck

– Less expensive upfront cost than buying a truck

– You do not have to worry about maintenance or repairs

Lease a Food Truck Monthly Payment

Leasing a food truck can be more affordable upfront than buying a truck, but it typically costs more per month. The average cost to lease a food truck is around $1,500 to $2,000 per month. This cost can vary, depending on the size of the truck, the length of the lease and where you live. Be sure to ask your leasing company about any additional costs, such as maintenance or repairs, that may come with leasing a food truck.

The best option for you depends on how often you plan to use the truck, the bottom line cost difference between buying and leasing a truck, and whether or not you’ll want to repair and maintain your truck, if needed.

 

Before You Purchase or Lease a Food Truck, Inspect It

When inspecting a food truck for purchase, be sure to check the following:

– The condition of the body and paint job

– The engine and how well it runs

– The tires and brakes

– The kitchen equipment and whether it is in good working order

– The interior of the truck and whether it is clean and sanitary

– The overall condition of the truck

If you are buying a used food truck, it is also important to get a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) report to check for any accidents or damage that may have occurred.

 

Where to Find Food Trucks for Sale

Now that you have a general idea of what to expect in terms of price, where should you look for a food truck? There are several places where you can find trucks for sale.

– Online marketplaces like eBay or Craigslist

– Truck dealerships

– Used truck auctions

– Private sellers

Sometimes you might drive around and find a food truck on the street with a “for sale” sign.

 

How to Finance a Food Truck

If you need help financing your purchase, there are a few options available. You can apply for a loan from a bank or credit union, use personal savings, or secure a loan from friends or family members.

No matter which option you choose, it’s important to do your research and compare interest rates and terms. It’s also important to be upfront about your plans with the lender and let them know the purpose of the truck you want to purchase. This will help them determine if the loan is a good fit for you.

If you’re looking for a more flexible financing option, consider using a credit card. Many credit cards offer 0% interest rates on purchases for a set amount of time, which can be helpful when purchasing a big ticket item like a food truck. Just be sure to read the terms and conditions carefully so you know what fees and interest rates will apply once any promotional period is over.

 

Conclusion

Buying a food truck is an important decision and there are several factors to consider before making your purchase. In this article, we have outlined where to buy a food truck, how to finance a food truck and what to look for when purchasing an existing food truck. So, whether you are new to the food truck business or just looking for more information, you now have more information to help you confidently make the leap.