My suggestion is yes, get rid of the factory stereo. Just too many options at so many price points in the aftermarket world to me to justify keeping the aftermarket unit.

Keeping steering wheel controls is not a difficult proposition with an aftermarket... I like Axxess ASWC, although there are several other units out there that work as well.

For a basic system, running a component set with a 4-channel amp off a modest aftermarket headunit will be good enough for most folks, although I would guess you will want something to fill out the low end in that eventuality. Getting away for $1000-1500 should not be too difficult to attain most of that, especially if you are willing to do some of the work yourself.

I replaced my head unit with a kenwood double din already and it sounds much better as i expected ill do speakers and subs down the road i guess

well with the sales going on i Bought some alpine type S component speakers with a kicker 10" comp s to go with them. built a custom box that falls down into the spare tire hole and wired up my 4 channel alpine AMP. needless to say it sounds so much damn better! lol highly recommend a setup like this to everyone. the most drastic improvement came from my kenwood head unit though. factory head unit is crap