Fuel Filter

Fuel filters, like oil filters, are considered normal maintenance items. There appears to be two filters. One inside the tank, and another outside. It's not clear where the external one is, but it appears to be under the car where the fuel line turns up into the engine compartment.

It the in-tank filter that's the one that's likely to need replacing, since it's the first filter in the fuel system.

Those in tank filters are more of a mesh than a fine filter. The external one - if there really is one - is a paper element type filter that traps the fine stuff. That's the one to change as long as there's no fuel pressure issues, and he's been feeding it reasonably clean gas. The in tank one's are a real PITA to get to, and there's no way a Quickie Lube will go after them because it takes a long time to do. They were very likely wanting to replace the external one. I looked closer at the parts list for that car, and I don't see an external filter listed.

If they'll do the IN TANK one cheaply, let them have at it. Make sure they've got the right tools for getting the locking ring off the tank, and that they use a new gasket when they re-assemble it. After they're done, FILL IT UP, and look / smell for gas leaks, because sometimes, once opened, gas tanks don't like to be re-assembled. I brought a Caravan in for a recall - possibility of gas leak around fuel pump seal. Never leaked. Went in with an empty tank, filled it up when they finished. Major leak around fuel pump. Brought it back - full. They tried to fix it, and wound up having to replace the tank, and the pump.

The service manual doesn't show a section on the fuel filter, so I checked the parts catalog. It doesn't show one in-line, but does show one in the tank.