Volkswagen - CV Boot leaking -- How bad is it? (pics attached)

So I was getting my tires changed at firestone today when they told me I had a leak in my front left CV boot. I just had a 21 point inspection in February done by the dealership who checked off on the CV boots that they were fine so apparently the leak has only been recently.

Firestone recommend to change the entire CV axle, quoted about $350

I just got my timing belt and water pump changed out from an independant mechanic last week as well, (spent $975) and he made no mention of the CV boot leaking. When i called him today for a second opinion about what I discovered from firestone, he says he somewhat remembers the CV boot leaking but didn't remember it being very serious but said he will do it for me at $298.

I asked if I could simply just change the boot but he said no, the labor in changing the boot would cost just as much as replacing the axle.

So..my questions are.

1) from the pictures, how serious is this really? I just spent $1600 in the last month for (timing belt, water pump, rear brakes, and 4 new tires) Kinda thought I would be done with repairs after the timing belt.

2.) Are the two autoshops being honest with me? Is it going to be just as costly to simply replace the boot instead of the entire axle?

3.) DO the quotes I'm getting sound fair?

 

$350 is for the entire axle to be replaced

Firestone quoted me $199 for an axle, the part number however when i look it up seems to be that of an Audi?

The other mechanic quoted me less to do the whole job but told me the Axle was about $300 but would get it to me cheaper and that it was not rebuilt, but it would be brand new.

 

It's a 2005 Passat

I've considered that but I just find that fiancing for a new car is still much more pricey.

Here is the breakdown of what i've spent on the car, it went out of warranty last year so last year is when i started paying for repairs and maintanence items. This is what I paid for last year and this year.

2009
Brake Fluid Flush (maintenance - did myself) 30
Spark Plugs (maintenance - did myself) 60
Freon replace 60
AC Clutch Relay 246

Total 396



2010
4 New tires 380
Rear brakes 247
Battery 119
Daytime bulb 20
Timing belt/water pump 972

Total 1738

The car has never actually broken down, all the items so far that I have done are preventative maintenance except for the AC clutch relay and this fluid leak on the CV boot. I have spent quite a bit this year but it's not every year i need 4 new tires, rear brakes, batteries, and timing belt/water pump replacement.

Not trying to build up an argument for keeping the car, just showing my thoughts as to why i'm not ready to invest in a brand new one

 

I know they are

 

Thanks for the input Dallas, sounds like you are a mechanic yourself.

I just hope that in doing all this, i"m going to have a awhile before i see expensive repairs occur.

I did have suggested items i turned down from volkswagen, they said an N80 valve was no good and i needed to get it changed or I would not pass inspection. they also wanted to do my engine mount, and also 10 hours worth of labor for differential seal which all came out to $2500

I called BS on them and didnt do the repairs, I ended up passing my inspection and the emission light never came back on.