Sounds like the shifter cables. I had to do mine a few months back. The install isn't too terrible. Basically pop off the cables from the transmission and from the shifter base. Then pull them through the firewall (easier to do it through the interior). Put the new ones through the firewall and hook them up to the tranny. Then hook the other side up to the shifter base again.

Does he have the 2.2L or the 2.4? I have a set of 2.2L cables I can sell him for much cheaper than he will find through the dealer. I am parting out my car as I picked up a new tC in December.