How far would you drive to audition a component?

Not very. I did make my first trip to an audio show (RMAF) this past October and would do that again in a heartbeat. Although not ideal conditions, you can hear a lot of gear and get a sense of the sound, sometimes a great sense. If I could narrow it down, I'd then look for a decent used price and buy it to audition for as long as I liked in my own room.

Like Viridian, I'd drive a few hundred miles to purchase something used, especially if it was high dollar.

Probably not more than 3-4hrs. ea. way. I'd also come ready to buy if I liked what I heard and saw. Bill

This isn't really applicable to your question, but I live in NW Louisiana. Made a deal with a fellow in Washington DC to buy my Klipsch LaScala's. We agreed to meet in Chattanooga Tn. at the Chattanooga Choo Choo Hotel. I brought the speakers, he brought the cash, the deal went off without a hitch. We each drove 10 hours one way.

2.5 hours each way is the furthest I've driven so far. I may go a bit further, but not much further.

2 hours