Hi all, brand new here so "Hello"

Got an issue with my key, I can't seem to get the key all the way into the ignition... so I can't start the car... key is fine as I can open the doors.

what do you reckon it could be?

If you've got kids then there is the answer!...or possibly one of the tumblers in the lock is stuck - probable if car is well-used. I'd shine a bright light beam into the hole and have a look....if it's a stuck tumbler you may be able to jiggle it with a large sewing needle or similar. WD40 may also help.
Hope it's simple and welcome to the forum.

Thanks hako, no kids :) just got back from an overseas trip and after the drive home the next day when I went to drive the car this problem occured. Very strange, had a chat with a mechanic...and without him even seeing the car he said oh yup I know...$1500 - $500 for the part and $1000 for labour...haha YOU know I wont be going there!!

for a bit of information I should have listed the make of my car also. 2004 Mitsubishi Magna ES TL

Either the mechanic is too busy and he is telling you (basically) to go away, or he has done a job of a similar nature on a similar car that did actually cost that much. Either way, try the WD40. My wife's 2004 Lancer is stiff in the boot lock and the ignition lock, but WD40 fixes it, for a while anyway.

At worst case the ig barrel has collapsed internally, as you can not get the key out is is a little more work to get the complete lock assy off, but is not that bad. A grand for labour, that is laughable. You can use a second hand lock set and barrel set, get 2 brand new keys from Mits for the VIN of the car that these come from, have it all fitted and coded and should come well under a grand easily

My 2c never use WD40 on locks.
It causes more build up in the locks.
The best stuff I have used is graphite spray.
Does the same as WD40 without the build up.

My 2c never use WD40 on locks.
It causes more build up in the locks.
The best stuff I have used is graphite spray.
Does the same as WD40 without the build up.

The WD will help loosen everything but I'd only use it once...then I'd follow-up with graphite, as you point out.