At low speed, like maneuvering in a parking lot, with the wheel near hard over I feel a "lumpyness"in the steering. Is this normal? Sort of like running over a small rock....maybe...... but there are no small rocks.

 

Probably caster bushing is starting to get rough. Take a peak, you'll probably see some rust/dryness around the bushing.

 

Wouldnt that cause uneven wear on the front tires? Mine are wearing perfectly.

 

I have that noise too. I only hear it when I steer hard left, just before I back into my drive way, where there is a slight dip / inclines converge. The mechanic who did my pre purchase inspection said it was dry. My tyres are fine too.

 

Sounds like control arm bushings going bad which is not uncommon for these cars. Do a search and you'll find a good handful of threads.