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How to Choose a Reliable Coffee Van to Start a Mobile Coffee Business

by Noemi
(Manchester)

Cream mobile coffee van with a side serving hatch on a UK high street

Cream mobile coffee van with a side serving hatch on a UK high street

Hi all!
I am about to start a mobile coffee business and looking for a reliable vehicle up to £15000. Does anyone have for sale ?
Thank you in advance!

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Jul 13, 2026
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by: MobCater

Hi Noemi, it's a smart move to sort the vehicle before anything else, because your setup shapes everything that follows, from where you can trade to how fast you can serve.

With a budget of up to £15,000 you're in a decent position for coffee. Coffee is one of the lighter setups to run, so you don't need a big burger van. Most people starting out go one of three ways: a small converted panel van, a three wheeler like a Piaggio Ape, or a compact towable trailer. A van keeps you mobile and lets you park up and trade wherever you've got permission, which suits high streets, retail parks and business estates. A three wheeler looks lovely and pulls a crowd at markets and events, but the working space is tight. A trailer is roomier and often cheaper to buy, but you'll need a suitable tow car and somewhere to store it.

At £15,000 I'd lean towards a good used van that already has the coffee kit fitted, rather than buying an empty shell and converting it, which usually costs more once you add the machine, water tanks and power. When you view one, the things that matter most are the espresso machine, and a two group commercial machine is worth having for speed, the fresh and waste water tanks, and how it's powered, whether that's a leisure battery, a generator or LPG. If any part of it runs on gas, ask to see a current gas safety certificate from a Gas Safe registered engineer, and don't hand over money without it. Same goes for the electrics, get proof they have been certified. I once watched someone lose money on second hand kit with no certificates that an inspector then refused to pass.

For actually finding a reliable vehicle, have a look at mobcater.com, where we list coffee vans and equipment with the details you need to compare properly. Once you have the vehicle, remember to register as a food business with your local council at least 28 days before you trade. It's free, and it's the law.

All the best

David

Disclaimer: This is based on my experience in UK mobile catering. Rules and costs can change, so always do your own research and check with the relevant authorities before committing.

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