ive taken my 2002 hyundai santa fe offroad before and am suprisingly suprised at what it can do stock... what would be your take on dropping money into it to lift and whatnot?  

that depends on what kind of off roading you will be doing. as far as i know there are very few or no lift kits available for your hyundai. if you want a off road vehicle you might be better of with a older full size blazer or bronco, or a pickup. what ever you choose to do good luck.