my battery died and all of the stores say the car needs a unique battery that costs more then the typical, even advanced auto and walmart said this. is this true?

 

Nope

 

there is the one that fits in the box with the cover on, and the other one that's slightly taller and everybody buys!

iirc its very normal group 24 or group 26- that's size, you can look up on internet to be sure

you went to places that are not ones I would ever get a battery from

Batteries Plus Bulbs has been my source for all battery needs for a while
Even scored a `blem` batt for the TL for 45 dollars once!

Expect 80-100 dollars for a good batt, dont pay for longer alleged warranty- like 5 years, when the `pro-rating` (use of product) is done at battery death in 2.5 years- you will get the short end of the deal

 

To elaborate. Unless you wanna use the battery cover you will need the OEM group 25 sized battery. If you are like the rest of us you will upgrade to the slightly bigger group 34.

 

Just take your old battery in and get a new one that similarly measures up.
Forget about needing the top plastic cover to be on, it's really not necessary.
No biggee !!! Only the post orientation is. You'll gain some cranking power.