Stock radio or aftermarket?

Hi, im a new member here, i got a Tacoma since September 2015 and need some upgrades, i would like some recommendations, nothing Fancy, just want to have it like if it came out from the manufacturing line

for example:

What kind of radio is better, Stock or aftermarket and what kind ?
Can i install a 2013 Stock touchscreen radio to a 2006 Tacoma?
What kind of guard is better for the front? Bull guard or whatever the name is
Are the Aftermarket Side Steps as good as the stock ones?

 

I think that aftermarket beats stock any day. I currently have a Entune on my '14, it's nothing to brag about,

 

Most any inexpensive aftermarket unit beats Toyota's best expensive (very very overpriced) offering hands down. http://www.crutchfield.com/car/carselector.aspx?lp=/Car/outfitmycar/car.aspx

 

Welcome to TW!
Depends on what you want your radio to do. If you want smartphone/iPod integration, navigation, backup camera, ect.. you can definitely find an aftermarket unit that meets your specs. I personally think a double din unit looks cleaner in the 2nd gen Tacomas, but you can find single-din units that work just as well.

There are write-ups in the audio section of the forum of people that have installed the newer Entune touch screen units into their trucks. Some are more involved than others. .

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/installing-2012-stock-radio-in-a-pre-2012.213184/

 

I'm not really unhappy with the stock radio in my 2008, but it takes an awful lot of space for what it does. An aftermarket single DIN with a cubby pocket under it would be more space efficient.



The only thing I would really miss are the steering wheel controls. I find them useful. Not to mention it would irritate me to have them there but not doing anything.

 

Android Radio, https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/android-head-unit-complete-install.402962/