To buy a coffee truck in California, start by deciding used versus custom—and verify compliance before price: CARB-compliant 2010+ diesel or gasoline engine, county Environmental Health plan approval, commissary agreement, and current fire or health decals. Prioritize a chassis that fits your routes and weight (Ford Transit, Sprinter, or step van), then spec power for espresso: 240V/50A shore inlet plus a quiet 7–12 kW generator or a 10–15 kWh lithium battery with 6–8 kW inverter; many two-group machines draw 3–6 kW. Insist on NSF equipment, FRP or stainless walls, a 3-compartment sink + hand sink, 120 F warewashing hot water, 35–50 gal fresh with a waste tank 15% larger (common CalCode requirement), and GFCI-protected circuits. For propane (if used), confirm cylinder cage, shutoffs, and local Fire Marshal sign-off; most coffee builds can avoid a Type I hood. Due diligence: request stamped plans/as-builts, model/serials, load calculations, and recent generator hours; road test, weigh the unit wet, and check GVWR margin. Budget: $45k–90k for clean used, $110k–180k new; lead time 8–16 weeks. Register with DMV, obtain a CDTFA seller’s permit, county health permit, commissary letter, business license, and food handler cards; schedule pre-opening inspection and route permits. Secure $1M liability and auto coverage.
