2003 Malibu is turning over but won't catch.

Daughter's boyfriend tried directly injecting a little gas and she caught no problem and ran until no more fuel (she's not out of gas btw). He thinks it's the fuel filter and thought it was an easy fix until he found that there was no access to the filter unless they remove the gas tank. He says he can hear the gas pump kicking in so doesn't think that's the problem. I called a local garage and owner says he thinks it's the fuel pump (costs $300-$400) and says if they do have to remove the 11 yr old gas tank, God knows what could fall off her. I just bought this car in Feb, licenced fora year and safety inspected, for $1500. Thought it was a great deal and now this.