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Taco Food Trucks for Sale: Spice Up Your Entrepreneurial Journey GuideMechanic.Com There’s something irresistible about a taco food truck—the sizzle of the griddle, bold flavors, and lines of hungry customers waiting for their favorite tortilla wrap.
If you’re considering diving into the mobile food scene, taco food trucks for sale offer a fantastic entry point. With their focused menu, relatively compact layout, and widespread popularity, taco trucks can be a profitable and satisfying venture.
In this article, we’ll explore what makes taco trucks stand out, what to look for in a purchase, and showcase a price table featuring taco food trucks currently available for sale in various U.S. markets.
Taco Food Trucks for Sale: Spice Up Your Entrepreneurial Journey
Why Choose a Taco Food Truck?
Universal Appeal
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From street corners in Los Angeles to festivals in Austin and college campuses nationwide, tacos are beloved across demographics. They offer versatility and customization, making them a crowd-pleaser.
Efficient Setup
Taco menus typically focus on a few core items—grilled meats, salsas, tortillas, and toppings—streamlining equipment needs (grill, fridge, prep table). That makes for easier kitchen layout and quicker service.
High Turnover Potential
Popular taco trucks often experience long lines during lunch and dinner rushes, meaning strong daily revenue potential with the right location and branding.
Moderate Startup Costs
Taco food trucks can often be launched with more affordable builds than full-service kitchens, allowing for reduced capital investment and faster ROI.
Key Features to Look For
If you’re in the market for a taco food truck, here are the essential elements your vehicle should include:
Griddle or Chargrill
A high-quality flat-top griddle (24–36”) or chargrill is essential for heating tortillas and cooking proteins like carne asada or al pastor.
Cold Prep Table
Refrigerated prepping space lets you organize ingredients quickly and stay compliant with health codes.
Sinks & Water System
You’ll need a spacious three-compartment sink and a separate hand-washing sink, plus adequate fresh and gray water tanks (typically 30–50 gal).
Ventilation & Fire Safety
An exhaust hood with an automatic fire suppression system is required for safety and health department compliance.
Functional Generator
A dependable generator (6–8kW capacity) ensures your fridge, prep tables, and lighting stay powered without external hookups.
Types of Taco Food Trucks
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Compact 14–16 ft Trucks | Ideal for solo or two-person operations in urban settings |
| 18–20 ft Step Vans | Best for medium-volume events, with space for extra equipment or storage |
| Full Kitchen 22+ ft Trucks | Equipped with fryers, toasters, or multiple prep lines for high traffic |
| Retro / Converted Vans | Stand out visually; great for pop-up-style operations or community events |
| Trailer-Based Rigs | Towable option that saves on vehicle cost but requires a tow vehicle |
What to Inspect Before Buying
- Mechanical Condition
Engine, transmission, brakes, tires: ensure they’re in solid shape, especially if the mileage is high.
- Griddle & Ventilation System
Does the griddle heat evenly? Is the hood operational? Is the fire suppression up to code?
- Prep Table & Fridge
Are the cooling units working properly, and is the prep table properly refrigerated under the hood?
- Plumbing and Water Tanks
Confirm no leaks, pump noise is normal, and grease traps are clean.
- Generator Performance
Run the generator under load to check for voltage consistency and noise levels.
- Title & Permits
Confirm a clean title and ask for any transferable permits or past health department inspection records.
Taco Food Trucks for Sale: Spice Up Your Entrepreneurial Journey
Price Table: Taco Food Trucks for Sale
Here’s a snapshot of taco food trucks currently available across the U.S., showcasing a range of sizes, conditions, and equipment levels:
| Truck Type & Year | Size | Equipment Included | Condition | Asking Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 14-ft Compact Taco Van | 14 ft | 24″ griddle, fridge, 3-comp sink, generator | Good | $29,000–$35,000 |
| 2017 16-ft Taco Food Truck | 16 ft | Griddle, prep fridge, hood, water tanks | Very Good | $38,000–$45,000 |
| 2018 18-ft Step Van Taco Rig | 18 ft | Dual grill, fryer, cold prep, triple sink | Excellent | $48,000–$55,000 |
| 2016 Retro Taco Van | 16 ft | Griddle, built-in cooler, sink, generator | Good | $32,000–$40,000 |
| 2019 20-ft Taco Kitchen Truck | 20 ft | Chargrill, griddle, steam table, fridge, hood | Like New | $55,000–$65,000 |
| 2020 22-ft Full Kitchen Taco Truck | 22 ft | Dual cooking lines, fryer, prep cold table, AC | Excellent | $70,000–$85,000 |
Prices are approximate and vary depending on location, condition, equipment, and seller.
New vs. Used Taco Trucks
| Feature | New Taco Truck | Used Taco Truck |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $80,000–$120,000+ | $30,000–$85,000 |
| Customization | Fully tailored to your concept | May require retrofit for efficiency |
| Warranty | Offers full manufacturer warranty | Limited or no warranty |
| Deployment Time | 8–12 weeks build time | Often ready-to-operate |
| Maintenance Risk | Minimal in early life | Varies—low risk if well maintained |
Financing & Startup Costs
In addition to the purchase price, budget for:
- Permit and licensing fees: $1,200–$3,000
- Commercial insurance: $1,200–$2,500/year
- Commissary kitchen or storage: $600–$1,200/month
- Vehicle wrap or branding: $2,500–$5,000
- Initial food, packaging, and smallwares: $3,000–$6,000
- Mechanical or appliance inspection service: $1,500–$3,000
A good rule of thumb is to budget 25–35% above the truck purchase price to fully cover startup expenses.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a taco food truck for sale gives you a proven concept with global appeal and strong profit potential. Whether you’re serving al pastor, fish tacos, or veggie options, a taco truck offers adaptability, efficiency, and strong market demand.
Expect to invest $30,000 to $85,000+, depending on size, equipment level, and condition. Prioritize inspecting kitchen systems—especially the griddle, refrigeration, and plumbing—and ensure all mechanical systems are well-maintained.
With a reliable truck, a strong brand, and a great location, your taco truck can be more than just a business—it can be a local favorite and culinary highlight on wheels.
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