Is leasing a car a better option when you are upside down in a trade in?

Is leasing a car a better option when you are upside down in a trade in? - 1
Added (1). I have been searching around. I have a Ford Focus in which I still owe 5500 dollars, and when I'm trading it in or asking to sell it, the price is way lower (1700 for sale, 3000 for trade in).
I will be going to college soon, so in my mind I wanted to get a car that would last for as long as I could keep it, so I wanted a Toyota or Honda. Low mileage, worth it.
Used cars are between 12000 and 15000, after the interest, AND the the rolled over money, the price goes up way to high for my budget.
Added (2). My focus is about to die… That's the problem

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