[SportsterDoc]

Conejo grade is 7% (most freeway grades do not exceed 6%), so, your Soul was working.
How old are the plugs?
Primary connection to #3 coil good?
Probably #3 plug / coil, but if you don't want to wrestle with #1 (more than one thread on the subject), then your shop decision understood.

 

[SportsterDoc]

Oh well, your running good, again.

It may look challenging, but several members with 2.0 have reported wiggling the coil past the fuel tube.
O'Reilly's coils are $47.99 to $79.99

https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/b/beck-arnley-2898/ignition---tune-up-16776/ignition-coils-19690/ignition-coil-12493/90c5da72ae86/beck-arnley-direct-ignition-coil/1788511/2539801/2014/kia/soul?q=ignition+coil&pos=2

NGK iridium spark plugs are $8.99

Brake flush is typically $100

Air filter ~ $15

Compromised rubber may let dirt enter, but not necessarily indicate tie rod end issues.
Is steering normal?
Alignment OK?
Front tires wearing even?
The mechanic should advise you of specs and what yours measures.

When you replace coolant, you may want to change thermostat.

Serpentine belts are lasting 90K or so, these days. I replaced the one on my truck at 62K as preventative maintenance.

 

[SportsterDoc]

Several Can-AM Ryker riders have reported a challenge to change front spark plug on 3 cylinder 900 motor.
Slightly tricky removing coil retention bolt, but doable.

 

[SportsterDoc]

When I worked for Honda, circa 1994, it was standard procedure to replace water pump when replacing timing belt, since most of the labor was already done for the belt.

Kia has a timing chain.

Generally, best to monitor any weeping from the hole between seal and bearing, then immediately replace.

Kia Soul: Water pump Removal - Cooling System - Engine Mechanical System

Engine Mechanical System. Cooling System. Water pump Removal

www.kisouman.com

OTOH, when my son bought a 30 year old F250 with 108,000 miles, the water pump was replaced as one of the preventative items (belts, hoses, fluids)

 

[SportsterDoc]

In the case of Honda:

1. It is hidden under the timing belt cover, so seeping from weep hole is not likely to be seen until it becomes a puddle where you park.

2. It is easily accessible with the cover and belt off, so changing with the belt is sensible.

Now that most vehicles spring tension belts, removing the effects of over-tightening, which enhances the life of bearings in belt driven components.

My 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe 3.3 was on original water pump at 140,000 miles.

 

[SportsterDoc]

The uppers are the CV joints which are the equivalent of universal joints, only smoother, and are the end of the drive/propeller shafts.

The lowers are the tie rods for steering with ball joint ends, which provide multiple axis movement...left-right/up-down.

Did not see Westslopes response before posting. Well covered.

There are challenges to a 73-year-old responding on a phone!

 

[SportsterDoc]

I should not have tried responding to your post after viewing small cell phone photos. This link should explain in addition to what Westslope posted.

This is not double wishbone suspension with the typical upper and lower control arms.

Kia Soul: Components Location - Front Suspension System - Suspension System

Suspension System. Front Suspension System. Components Location

www.kisouman.com