2011 TRD: Upgrade Stereo Advice - $500 to spend

I posted this over in audio, but after 70 views and a few days, I have no one replying over there. Was really looking to do some purchasing this weekend, so please excuse the double posting. I just got a brand new 2011 Tacoma TRD Offroad over the weekend. With about $500 (might can go a few hundred more) to spend, is it possible for me to get a decent upgrade to my stock stereo (non JBL)? I did also purchase a dash kit from ********* for my 2010 I just traded in and never used. Will this fit in my 2011?

If so, what do you guys recommend I purchase?

Key features I would like to add/keep:

Add:
Bluetooth (handsfree phone calls and bluetooth audio streaming)
HD Radio

Carry over features:
XM Radio (have 90 days free and might sign a year contract)
Audio jack at bottom of dash
Steering Wheel controls

The stock stereo and speakers are "OK", but spending nearly 3 hours each day commuting to and from work, I would like to jam out every now and then. I do not need a subwoofer, but would like to have some deepness out of my door speakers. With a daughter on the way, I would much rather NOT have a subwoofer under her seat in the back.

Do you guys recommend Best Buy to purchase and install it? If not, where else? I am in the DFW area.

 

Have you tried searching? Try searching for brand names like Pioneer, Kenwood, etc...

I don't have any first-hand experience as the stock setup is just fine for my needs, but this topic has been discussed in depth on here.

Generally, if one shows that he is willing to search and spend his own time trying to find the answer, others will be more willing to lend a hand and guide the research.

Good luck!

Fink

 

I agree, and I have searched. However, I wanted two things from people here, nothing more nothing less. One was opinion. I have been out of the loop on buying aftermarket for about 7 years now. Opinions and suggestion matter.

Second, I wanted to know if I could continue to use the following with aftermarket:

XM Radio (have 90 days free and might sign a year contract)
Audio jack at bottom of dash
Steering Wheel controls

Are there special dongles/conversion kits for this?

 

Yes to all of your questions, and then some.

There is a harness you will need to get in order for the steering wheel audio controls to work and I believe it is made by USA Spec.

Do a quick search on here for "steering wheel audio controls" and you should see a few threads pop-up, a couple of which have part numbers and links to what you need.

In my limited experience, Crutchfield does a good job of telling you exactly what harnesses you will need - I would not necessarily recommend buying from them due to their seemingly higher-than-average prices, though.

Fink