The most popular three-door Vitz sells for 928,000 yen, or about $8,070, a Toyota spokeswoman said.

Actually, said Trina Ewald, a Toyota spokeswoman, this particular Century was specially built that way just because it was coming to America.

A Toyota spokeswoman declined to comment on whether Toyota had plans to build the vehicle.

"I think you're mixing apples and oranges," said Martha Voss, a Toyota spokeswoman.

"We've agreed to agree," said Nancy J. Hubbell, a Toyota spokeswoman.

"We don't really keep score," said a Toyota spokeswoman, Martha Voss.

A Toyota spokeswoman said the fire "likely started because saltwater got into the electrical system."

But Ms. Voss, the Toyota spokeswoman, said the dealer was probably just trying to be helpful, and handing out the wrong form.

Martha Voss, a Toyota spokeswoman based in Washington, said: "Circumstances have changed in the world since the rules were established.

A Toyota spokeswoman, Martha Voss, said that even if estimates dropped for hybrids, they would still look attractive compared with many gasoline-powered vehicles.