a6...2.7t, 2.8, or v8?

[Steve Meyer]

I have a friend looking for a new(ish) car and he thinks an A6 might fit the bill. I've always been a fan of the 2.8v6(and the newer versions), but what are the downfalls of the the 2.7tt and the 4.2v8? Is it the number of engine specific parts, the extra labor to work on the rarer versions? He's looking in the $10-$15k range, but he doesn't need alot of power. He's a realtor and just needs something nice and reliable to haul around clients in our always changing Iowa weather. I've also been pushing him to get a Passat 4Motion, but he only like the newer body styles(2006+) and they don't fit his price range.

Thanks,
Steve