Land Rover Repair: 2004 Discovery keys, replacement keys, ilco keys

Question
My son lost the original key for his 2004 Discovery, so we had replacement keys made at a locksmith with the code supplied by our local LR service provider.  The locksmith says they can only use the Ilco keys for a replacement for this car, and so far, the Ilco replacements have broken off in the ignition twice!  The first time, the guy from the towing company was able to get the broken piece out of the ignition and I assumed it was a defective key.  Now, it has happened again.  Our service guy says we can't get a LR key made from the dealer, because they don't make them any more.  Have you heard of such troubles with this model?  At this point, I don't have faith in the Ilco keys- Thank you for your time in responding!

Answer
If the key has snapped off twice I'd be looking at the ignition lock.  There is no inherent weakness in an Ilco key.   The lock is probably failing, and you twist the key hard, and it snaps.  I have never seen any other explanation for key breakage.   My suggestion is that you swap out the ignition lock assembly soon, because its total failure will leave you stranded