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I am looking at getting a GPS car unit for sometime now, but i find there are too many choices in the market, do you have any advise for what sort of things to look for and things to avoid? - just in case if i don't win this competition.

Different brands and models have different features. Navman and TomTom have very good websites which explain what their different models do.
There is no best brand or model and new ones come out frequently. The question is what do you want to use it for. For example is real time traffic important? Do you travel for business or pleasure? Do you want something portable that you can take overseas or use in other vehicles? Do you need a large display?

One of our GeoSmart team has a blog that may provide some insight - this can be found at http://geosmart.wordpress.com/2011/05/10/what-is-the-best-car-nav-product-for-new-zealand/

I agree with Rachel. I personally have used my Tom Tom both here and in Australia with no real problems. The only down side of the Tom Tom seems to be that battery life when disconnected is not good after they are a year or so old. The other problem is that you have to update your maps. With Tom Tom about 4 updates a year at a cost of about 20 dollars AU per quarter.In between times you get free updates of the web. Hope this helps you

Personally, I find a map & compass works quite well. They have the advantage of exceptional battery life. Of course, if I win the competition I might just change my mind.