I don't believe you have to buy a compression tester, AutoZone has a program where you put a deposit down on a credit card and they let you use the tool then return it in good condition, and they remove the deposit hold on your card.
If KIA thinks it's a valve, (I would ask how they came to that conclusion, and ask for #'s) you should be able to see that real fast with a compression test.
Ask around (friends, family, autoparts counter people) for a trusted mechanic if you aren't comfortable doing the work yourself.
I just had my mechanic send a head out for a valve job, then r&r the head, change the H2O pump, timing belt, oil & coolant change, plugs, coils, wires, basically everything and all together it was less than $850. I did supply all the parts so that meant that there was no additional markup.

If you live around Los Gatos, I'll send you his info.

Unless you still have a warranty, I would steer clear of dealers because of cost and their lack of knowledge from what I have read here in This forum and heard from others elsewhere.


Good luck and keep us posted.

Everet
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