I put in an offer on a campervan.

And it wasn't a VW Trophy.

It was in fact a Trident, the smaller version of the Trophy.

I saw the advert on a free ads website late one sunday afternoon, and it was only across in Southampton. After ringing the owner, who kindly agreed to let me go up there and see it there and then, I went to take a look.

The van itself wasn't in great condition. There was a crack through the interior plastic of the tailgate, a few cracks on the side, and all in all it needed a bit of TLC. But it did come with everything, from cutlery and crockery, to cleaning products. A complete sale.

The gentleman had promised a viewing to a couple the following morning, and of course they had first pick, but I made an offer there and then (though it was £1000 above my maximum limit, and still £1000 below his asking price) and left, with the promise that I would hear by the next day.

A week passed and still I had heard nothing, and quite honestly I was relieved. The more and more I thought about the van, the more I realised it wasn't what I wanted.

The shorter wheel base means a smaller sofa, no oven, less work surface, and a slightly more cramped feel over all. And on top of that, with the work that needed doing... it just wasn't for me.

Eventually just over a week on, I had a phone call from the seller. He told me the van was still there if  I wanted it and that he would accept my offer.

I turned him down. Not just on the basis that the van wasn't right, and was a lot more than it was really ever worth, but also because he left me waiting for a week without any contact.

Overall I think it was a lucky escape, and now I know that the only thing I want is a Trophy.