New vs Used Burger Food Trucks in the UK – Which Is the Smarter Investment?
Publish Time: 2026-02-11 Origin: ZZKNOWN
If you're searching for a used burger food truck in the UK, you're probably asking one key question:
Should I save money and buy used… or invest in a brand-new build?
On the surface, a used truck looks like the cheaper option.
Lower upfront cost. Faster availability. Immediate operation.
But long-term? The answer isn't always so simple.
This guide breaks down the real financial, legal, and operational differences so you can make a confident decision.
1️⃣ The Price Difference in the UK
Let’s start with numbers.
Used Burger Van
| Condition | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Older unit | £18,000–£25,000 |
| Good condition | £25,000–£40,000 |
| Premium build | £40,000–£55,000 |
New Burger Trailer (Custom Build)
| Level | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Basic | £15,000–£20,000 |
| Mid | £20,000–£30,000 |
| Premium | £30,000–£40,000 |
Surprisingly, a new trailer can sometimes cost the same—or even less—than a used van.
That’s why many UK startups now compare used vans to new trailers.
2️⃣ Hidden Risks of Buying Used in the UK
A used burger truck may look ready to go. But here are the common problems:
Engine Wear
High mileage
Transmission issues
Expensive repairs
Old Wiring
May fail electrical certification
Fire hazard risk
Outdated Gas Installation
May not pass Gas Safe inspection
Poor Kitchen Layout
Designed for previous owner’s menu
Not optimized for your workflow
Many buyers end up spending £3,000–£10,000 upgrading used trucks.
3️⃣ Compliance Challenges with Used Trucks
In the UK, regulations are strict.
A used truck might:
Have expired certificates
Fail hygiene inspection
Require gas system rework
Need new fire suppression
Lack proper hand wash setup
If modifications are needed, costs add up quickly.
Buying new allows you to design the truck correctly from day one.
4️⃣ Customization: Used vs New
Used Truck
Fixed layout
Limited modification
Equipment placement locked in
Branding already applied
New Truck (ZZKNOWN Custom Build)
Designed around your burger menu
Stainless steel fabrication tailored to workflow
LPG system integrated properly
CE-compliant electrical system
Exterior color & branding customized
Customization directly impacts speed of service — which impacts revenue.
5️⃣ Long-Term Maintenance Cost
Used Van
Engine servicing
MOT failures
Brake issues
Gearbox repairs
New Trailer
Minimal mechanical parts
Lower maintenance
No engine depreciation
Over 3–5 years, a trailer usually costs far less in mechanical maintenance.
6️⃣ Resale Value in the UK Market
Used Van:
Mileage reduces value
Mechanical history matters
Harder resale if engine problems
New Trailer:
No mileage factor
Easier resale
Broader buyer pool
Many UK operators use trailers because they maintain asset value better.
7️⃣ Break-Even Timeline Comparison
If you buy:
Used Van at £30,000
Plus £5,000 upgrades
Total: £35,000
New Custom Trailer at £25,000
Fully designed for your needs
Total: £25,000
Lower capital means:
✔ Faster ROI
✔ Lower loan burden
✔ Less financial stress
8️⃣ When Does Buying Used Make Sense?
Used may be suitable if:
Budget is extremely limited
You inspect thoroughly
Engine and wiring are certified
Gas system is recently approved
You need immediate operation
Even then, inspection by professionals is critical.
9️⃣ When Buying New Is Smarter
Buying new is often smarter if:
You want full customization
You plan long-term operation
You want lower maintenance
You operate in ULEZ zones
You want faster ROI
You care about branding impact
In 2026 UK market trends, more first-time operators choose new trailers over used vans.
Why UK Buyers Choose ZZKNOWN for New Builds
Custom burger layouts
Commercial-grade stainless steel kitchen
LPG-ready installations
CE-compliant electrical systems
2D/3D layout drawings before production
Export experience to UK & Europe
25–60 working day production
Building correctly from the start eliminates expensive retrofits.
Final Verdict
Used trucks look cheaper — but often carry hidden risks.
New custom trailers offer:
✔ Lower long-term cost
✔ Better compliance readiness
✔ Optimized workflow
✔ Higher resale value
If you’re building a serious burger brand in the UK, investing correctly at the beginning protects your future profit.
Ready to Compare Options?
Planning to buy a used burger food truck in the UK — or considering a new custom build?
Contact ZZKNOWN for a detailed comparison quotation and custom layout proposal.