1997 ES 300 burning oil, but otherwise fine...told to just use 20w-50 and hope for the best

any solutions?

 

Have a compression test done, leak down test too while you are at it. Could be worn cylinders/piston rings. A compression test will be the one to tell you if there's a problem, leak down test will help pinpoint the problems location.

Could need some valve work or new valve stem seals, does the car smoke at all during start ups/while running?

Or you could simply have a oil leak somewhere

 

Could also be as simple as a blocked, or non functioning PCV valve.

easy to check and change if necessary.

 

Oil pump might not provide sufficient head to get the lubricants to all the engine parts at cold start and/or at operating temperature.
You have to find out where the oil is burning/leaking from.