is there any reason to replace the fuel filter (and clean out the system) on my 97 jetta gls? I've not had any fuel troubles that i'm aware of.

Fuel filter is part of regular servicing, cleaning rest of system is good practice but not vital, but could save you problems in the future

I usually get the oil changed as well as the oil and air filters in the car every 10k miles (I use synthetic oil).

The reason you didnt have any fuel proplems is that your mechanic is a proper one.On a good service the things you must change are air-oil-cabin-fuel filters and use synthetic oil once a year or every 15000km

At least change your fuel filter once a year -- it ll let your motor have fuel and save some work for your fuel pump == Many people neglect that cheap fuel filter until the motor quits running or wastes the fuel pump

thanks all- i ended up having the fuel filter replaced ($80) but not the lines cleaned out or whatever. I will say that this is a 97 jetta with 72K miles on it and i've never changed that filter- it's not the little one on top like my old datsun had...couldn't find any recommendation from VW about when to replace. anyway, guess i'll be running a bit cleaner now.