I've got 2 12's that I used to just run with a 300 watt amp, cause I had it, and didn't know what I wanted to move up to. It sounded fine, but I was maxing out the capabilities of the amp. Now, I've got a 1200 watt amp, and it sounds a lot better. But still, a lot more boom boom than thump thump. It's just not a real tight sound. If you're still in the planning stages, delay your plans and do it right the first time, and do it in the car. Also, if you do go ahead and go with the trunk, you have to remember you need a relatively low box to make sure it clears the rack for the roof.