Your ABN discount is pretty much the same as a fleet discount, the dealers just use it to give you a discount they can well afford to do for everyone but aren't legally allowed to. There is no problems with using your registered ABN the vehicle doesn't have to be registered as a business vehicle and you don't need to even claim it on your tax as an expense. It's purely so the dealer can show on their records that the discount they gave you was valid as per government rulings. It's obviously not a common practice but I have seen cases where ABN's used weren't even the purchasers ABN but it's not advisable to try this as most dealers will check and not accept anything not registered to the buyer.
WHAT the ABN price isn't:
Fleet and ABN discounts are nothing to do with the government rulings.
WHAT the ABN price is:
ABN price is purely a name manufacturers use for there fleet discounts.
The "ABN" price is offered by the manufacturer and they decide what it is.
NISSAN internal policy on"ABN" discount:
In Nissans' case the dealer must show they sold the car to an
ABN holder, the car must be registered in the same name as the business (or sole trader) before nissan will sell the car to the dealer at the discounted price.
Previously a shonky dealer would fake an ABN discount and thus rip off the manufacturer. Nissan solution is as above. they must see the paperwork with all the correct information and the purchaser must have held an ABN for at least 30 days. this is to reduce the amount of people getting an ABN just to get a discount then cancelling it.
Nissan is the only manufacturer that does this. You will find if you go to anyone else ie toyota holden ford isuzu they will sell a car to an employee who is using it for business, as long as you provide a letter from your employer showing this to be true.
. Nissan will not, the owner of the car must hold the ABN.
I work for one of the biggest private firms in Australia with over 500 fleet cars through our divisions, I know 2 people with a Nissan, and frankly the amount of trouble I had to go to with Nissan almost made me buy a holden.
As for the original post. Nissan advertises its ABN prices on its website Nissan.com.au look under Navara then specials. Currently (november) the stx petrol ABN price is about $38k, my series4 stx diesel cost me $47K + about 2k for some extras (towbar,racks,mats,protectors etc)
Isuzu will sell you a dmax LSU for about 39K if its for business Ford will sell you a XLT? ranger for $37K. Both of these are "ABN" prices, however for these manufacturers you do not need an abn, you just need to prove the car is used for business (ie as above, get a letter from your boss).
Sorry bit long winded... I was on a roll...
After saying all the above, its worth the extra 7-8K for a much better car in my opinion.
OH and if anyone is thinking about taking an abn to get the discount. Besides following the tax depts rules as you should (you read them when you apply). Heres a tip , you can back date the ABN 30days when you apply online anyway, which completely defeats the purpose of Nissans 30 day policy....
Cheers