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Food Trucks for Sale Under $20K Near Me: Affordable Options for Aspiring Food Entrepreneurs GuideMechanic.Com If you’re looking to break into the mobile food industry but don’t have a massive budget, finding food trucks for sale under $20K near me can be a smart and realistic way to launch your business.
With the food truck market continuing to thrive across the U.S., it’s possible to get started with a quality vehicle and essential equipment — all without spending more than $20,000.
In this blog post, we’ll explore what kind of food trucks are available in this price range, what features to look for, and provide a sample pricing table to guide your search.
See Also: Cheap Food Trucks for Sale Under $15K
Food Trucks for Sale Under $20K Near Me
Why $20K is the Sweet Spot for Food Truck Buyers
While fully customized new food trucks can easily cost $60,000 to $120,000, a $20,000 budget opens the door to a large and growing market of used or lightly equipped food trucks that are road-ready and health-inspection friendly.
Here’s what makes this budget range appealing:
- Affordable entry: Ideal for new entrepreneurs, local chefs, or small business expansions.
- Versatile options: Step vans, cargo trucks, and trailers are all available in this price bracket.
- Room to customize: Many units include partial build-outs, letting you finish them based on your specific menu.
- Faster launch: Avoid long production delays and go live sooner.
What Kind of Food Trucks Can You Get Under $20K?
When browsing food trucks under $20,000, you’ll mostly find used vehicles from private sellers, small lot dealers, or commercial fleets. Many have already served as food trucks, while others are recently converted.
Common Types:
Step Vans (P30, MT45, Freightliner MT55)
These are the most common platforms. Spacious and strong, they’re easy to retrofit and widely used for hot food services like BBQ, tacos, and burgers.
Converted Cargo Vans (Ford E-Series, Chevy Express)
Smaller and easier to park, perfect for coffee, juice, or bakery-style service.
Concession Trailers
Typically lower priced than trucks. Great for fairs, markets, and events, but require a towing vehicle.
Box Trucks with Kitchen Conversions
Ideal for those wanting a mix of cargo space and service area.
Food Trucks for Sale Under $20K Near Me
Sample Price Table – Food Trucks Under $20K
| Make & Model | Year | Equipment Included | Mileage | Condition | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chevy P30 Step Van | 2001 | Grill, hood, sink setup | 195,000 mi | Good | $18,900 |
| Ford E350 Food Truck | 2005 | Fridge, shelving, 3-comp sinks | 175,000 mi | Very Good | $17,500 |
| Freightliner MT45 | 1999 | Basic kitchen, hood, shelves | 210,000 mi | Fair | $19,000 |
| Custom Concession Trailer | 2012 | Fryer, counters, water tanks | — | Like New | $14,700 |
| GMC Savana 3500 | 2007 | Coffee setup, sink system | 160,000 mi | Good | $16,300 |
| Dodge Step Van | 2003 | Empty shell, service window | 220,000 mi | Fair | $12,800 |
| Ford F59 Food Truck | 2004 | Refrigerator, basic electrical | 190,000 mi | Good | $19,900 |
Prices may vary based on location, condition, and included features. Always verify vehicle records and inspect in person.
Features to Look For in This Price Range
Most trucks under $20K won’t be fully turnkey, but they often include helpful essentials like:
Serving windows and counters
- 3-compartment and hand sinks
- Refrigeration units
- Vent hoods or exhaust fans
- Prep tables and shelves
- Basic electrical and plumbing setup
Keep in mind, some may need repairs or upgrades. If a truck is priced at the low end (say, $12K–$14K), it might be missing equipment or need cosmetic work.
What to Check Before Buying
When shopping for affordable food trucks near you, inspect for:
- Mechanical condition – Engine, brakes, transmission, and tires should be sound.
- Health department compliance – Ensure the sink systems, flooring, and surfaces meet your local code.
- Power setup – Confirm if it runs on generator or shore power. Know the wattage capacity.
- Gas lines and fire suppression – If cooking equipment is included, verify that it’s safe and tested.
- Interior layout – Make sure it suits your menu and workflow.
Always request maintenance records and test-drive before purchasing.
Where to Find Food Trucks Under $20K Near You
Since this is a “near me” search, these are common local sources across the U.S. where you might find deals:
- Used truck dealers specializing in commercial/fleet vehicles
- Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist (search by city or zip code)
- Local auctions or repo lots
- Truck shows and food truck festivals
- Referrals from other food truck operators
You can also check local truck wrap companies or builders — they often know of trucks being sold by previous clients.
Food Trucks for Sale Under $20K Near Me
Who Is This Budget Perfect For?
The $15K–$20K food truck category is excellent for:
- Startup food entrepreneurs
- Brick-and-mortar restaurants launching mobile units
- Coffee or dessert truck concepts
- Catering businesses adding mobility
- DIYers looking to finish the truck themselves
It’s an ideal budget for someone who wants a semi-ready platform they can build upon without massive upfront investment.
Budgeting for Extras
Even if you score a truck for $18,000, it’s smart to set aside around $2,000–$5,000 for the following:
- City permits & licenses
- Health department upgrades
- POS system or cash drawer
- Exterior wrap or signage
- Fire suppression system (if missing)
Final Thoughts
Searching for food trucks for sale under $20K near me can yield exciting results if you take your time, inspect carefully, and shop smart.
This price range strikes a great balance between affordability and practicality — giving you enough room to launch a working food truck without draining your savings.
Whether you’re planning to serve up fusion tacos, mobile espresso, or fried chicken, the right used food truck is out there, ready to become your mobile kitchen and business dream on wheels.
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