Its easier as a manager to cite the "reliable car" requirement than
to have to listen to some sob story and have to turn around and write up someone for tardiness.
(Ive had to do this before)

Unless driving is part of the job, it really isn't entirely legal to demand a "reliable car".

From an HR standpoint (my forte) I prefer "reliable transportation". I don't care how
you get to work as long as you get to work on time.