My 2008 XJR is at 17,500 miles. Dealer says rear brakes have 2 mm left, front are OK.

1. This seems to me to be minimal pad life. Most of my driving is suburban, spirited when I can. Although the car hasn't been out in the rain or snow that often the stability control is engaged frequently on those occasions.

2. I may be hallucinating but on many occasions I have turned off stability control and the throttle seems more responsive and the shift points changed. I always drive in sport mode. Anyone have any experiences?

 

The stab control can accelerate rear brake wear, I'm pretty sure.
Go for ceramic pads on replacement.
Should keep wheels cleaner. Might last a bit longer too.

 

I own a 2007 XJ8L and I have been having to replace the rears at 18k miles. I have been told by others on this forum that this model year range does go thru pads quickly.

 

This is a problem common to cars that use electronics to control the rear drive and stop wheels spinning. The old way was a limited slip diff, but now the system brakes the wheel that slips under traction. Essentially, the car is using the rear brakes as well as you, but only you use the front brakes,