I'm trying to assess if the VG gas tank needs to be eventually replaced (because of my prior fuel filter clogging issues). If I visually look around the outside, and see no bad rust, is it safe to say that the tank does not corrode from INSIDE outwards?

Exposed surface to where the wheel splash is, or maybe behind that rear crossmember?

Anyone who had to replace their tank, maybe can comment on where they saw the rust once they removed the beast.

 

if it has had water inside of it, at any point, it may be possible it can rust inside-out.
gas is a petroleum product, which should keep rust away, tho.

only time I have seen rust in the tank was when the car sat for years, and got water inside (only my experience, tho).

 

I replaced the tank on my blue VE recently. It wasn't rusting away per se, but it was just coated on the inside virtually all over with a mixture of rust/corrosion/dirt/crap/etc., so I replaced it.

Just pull your fuel pump out and have a look inside. If it looks fine, and you don't have any rust issues outside, I see no need to replace it