I have always thought the 8N is a great first tractor! If you learn how to get work out of it and how to work on it you will be miles ahead of the game with a modern tractor. It will teach you to pay attention as you learn it's limits. Things like anticipating stops will go a long way. I hardly ever need my brakes because I started on a 8N at 6 years old.
I agree an N makes a great first tractor.
Just a few thoughts, no special order.....
The tractor in the OP is a 2N or 9N, not an 8
I used a 2N around here for 20+ years as my only and later as a back up tractor.
Tires on it when I got it were weather checked & OLD.
Same tires are still on it and it lives outside.
My 2N (pretty much the same as a 9N) has running boards & I like them.
As already mentioned, 8N has 4 speed & 2 or 9 have a 3 speed.
No power steering but with a minimal amount of grease it steers just fine.
Mine is used for maintaining my road & drive(6' back blade & 6' York rake), finish mowing (6'), brush hogging(5'), boom poll for picking up stuff, working my woods for firewood & harvesting timber, chipping brush & pretty much anything I can think of around here.
I DO have a newer 4x4 about the same size as the N and it also is used for everything.
It REALLY is nice having a backup tractor when one goes down.
For the price of a cheap riding lawnmower you have very capable machine that will last MUCH longer then that mower.
Get a N if you can find one but I wouldn't pay more ten $2k or $2500 with implements.
Use it to learn on and figure out what you need and/or want in the future.
I converted mine to 12V and am glad I did.