Toyota Repair: CV boot replacement, independent repair shops, cv joint replacement

Question
After reading some of your other answers about CV joint replacement, I have a question about the boots. I always check the boots when I change my oil. I just checked the boots on my girlfriend's car (a '91 Camry), and noticed that the right outer boot is completely torn (grease has leaked out) and the left outer boot has a small crack. We checked two independent repair shops, and they both suggested replacing both of the axles. I understand the right front (likely dirt and debris in the joint), but I'm not sure I understand the left front. Why is the cost about the same to replace the whole axle as it is to just replace the boot? And along those lines, what's the point of religiously checking the boots to catch a tear early (which is what I always assumed) when the whole axle is generally replaced anyway? Shouldn't I just wait for the clicking sound of a bad joint? Is this a Camry thing or general for most cars (if you know)? (I drive a 2002 Civic). Thank you.

Answer
Toyotas almost never need the entire axles replaced until they make noise which is also rare, in most cases the boots can be replaced and new grease packed into the cv joints to repair this. It's somewhat labor intensive, the boot kits cost about $45 per side and the labor can run about $260 per side at the dealer. Remanufactured axles from an aftermarket source are around $200 each but the labor is less because they are assembled,normally around $160 per side depending on location. Check around for the best deal.