Try finding a base Corolla on a lot. Dealers ain't got any, and don't want any. With a well-equipped car for about $20K, why bother stocking a $16-17K stripper?
Our 2009 is a CE "enhanced package" that I thought was the vest value for money in the line up then. The LE was a $2K price jump and didn't really include a lot more - ours has A/C, cruise, keyless, power windows.
With the 2016, I would definitely go for the LE ECO. No way I'd want either a manual or conventional auto - the new CVT is great. (Did I really write that?!!) The ECO is about $800 over the LE, and given the mileage I've personally seen the ECO version record, the $800 would be paid for quite quickly. (Close friends of ours have one, and it seems nearly impossible to get higher than in the mid 4's on the highway...)