Originally Posted by Savannah Buzz

The shafts being worn may well have lowered oil pressure, so other engine parts are likely worn heavily as well, like main bearings. You are seeing just part of the problem. Thicker oil won't help at this point. You could also have a slipped sleeve thrown into the mix that is also ticking.

These can all be fixed, and there are posts and write ups on this site to guide you. along with the shop manuals. But you need tools, and a place to work, leave engine torn apart, etc. And $1000 is a very common figure to burn thru on a new-to-me Rover with minimal problems.

For a college car, find a cheap common import or a basic Ford or Chevy with the paint peeling off of it, you can get parts cheap at the junkyard. I have a D1 for my kid who is in college, spent a lot of hours and real dollars on getting it roadworthy. Now she puts maybe 40 miles a week on it because of the on-campus bus system.

Anyone can learn to work on a Rover; and you can buy tools, but finding a place to work on it can be a challenge. And the time spent away from your studies is a big negative. I doubt that you are taking only one class per semester.