vibration in steering

[Realest]

my girlfriends 98 ford escort has a constant vibration. steering is tight, tire pressures correct, no growling or clunks. I haven't checked ball joints or tie rods due lack of time and mostly laziness. I am leaning towards an out of balance or separated tire. Sound correct?
Tires are old and and worn almost down to nothing..we are getting new tires for winter. Just curious if the tires are most likely the cause of my vibration.

 

[dustertogo]

Most likely tires. I'm involved with fleet service, and we have mostly Ford Tauruses and we see this all of the time. The tires are bad about "cupping" and sometimes we see belt separation.

 

[grumpuscreature]

If the tires don't fix it and there's around 75k or more on the clock, you probably need struts. I've had 14 of these things since 1981 and always keep a couple around. Great little cars.