Plastic casing for key breaking

Hey all, so lately I've noticed that the plastic casing for my truck key has started to crack more & more. The bottom hole of it was already but wide open when I purchased it from the previous owner, so I knew it had been through a lot. However, I've done some research and it appears that the key that I have is the original and has since been discontinued. I did see a post where someone went to a dealership to get replacement keys made, but my biggest worry on that is getting ripped off for getting the keys cut when we have a local key cutting small business that will cut each key for $10. Also the post mentioned ordering a pair of key fobs and apparently its possible to switch out the electrical components and im set.

Is anything of this sound right or has any of it changed by chance?

 

Speaking of our new to us Toyota Dealership only, was able to get 2 new keys cut via my 04 VIN. They input VIN into machine and walk away while machine cuts. Worked like a charm....approx $20 for 2 keys



If speaking of plastic cases for remotes, bought a new Dorman case marked for Toyota at our local Advanced Auto and electronics fit right in....sorry, can't remember part #

 

Keys are super cheap at dealer. As long as you have original ignition and door locks they'll just cut the key based on VIN. You may have to ask them for an OEM Toyota key. They have aftermarket brand keys that work just fine as well, they just don't have the Toyota logo on them.

 

The casing just adds unneeded bulk. I just break the plastic off and redrill the key to make it slimmer.