2009 Outback.  I am having a local repair shop evaluate torn boots. I need to decide whether to replace the whole axel or just the boots, and whether to use OEM or MWE axels.  Any thoughts?

If they aren't making any noise on turns (clicking) just reboot them. OEM subaru axles will last a long time. Given that yours is only 6 years old, unless they have been driven a long time like that, you're likely to get a long time out of a simple reboot. Far longer than most aftermarket axles would last.

That is the case.  Thank you Subaru Fanatic!